I am going to be going in and doing a timing belt replacement on my Gen 3. I will be replacing the belt and two pulleys, plus the water pump. My question is does the Hydraulic tensioner need to be replaced or do they last quite a while?

I havent heard of the tensioner failing on anyones rigs, always the pulleys if they do go. Thanks.

Phil <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

My mechanic buddy and I did my 01 Gen 3. We did not replace the hydraulic tensioner, just the water pump and idler pulleys. The St(D)ealer, another tech, and the Aussie boys on the Victoria Club forum even stated to me that the Hyd. tensioner should be just fine.

I'd also warn you that you're probably going to need front cam seals, possibly the rear cam seals, and now would also be a good time to replace the valve cover gaskets. I honestly would replace the front cam seals just because you're in there. When they weep, they leak oil on the timing belt. I did my fronts, but not the rears or valve cover gaskets...now I have a leak on the passenger side! At least thats the easy side.

Another thing...NOW is the time to do spark plugs and new wires if they are original. Atleast spark plugs since everything is off and out of the way.

Oh, don't forget the little o-ring on the water pump shaft...the shaft goes into a block recess when mounted up. Grease it good and you should be fine...otherwise coolant will mysteriously vanish!

I think thats it unless anything else pops in my head!

Good luck!

Doug

thanks for the info Doug I appreciate it. I had planned to replace the front cam seals and pulleys/belt. I have not noticed leaking and the valve cover gaskets yet. I am going to be doing the spark plugs later on in another 10-20k or so and then will do the valve cover gaskets then. I had replaced the plugs at 80k so I still have a while in them left.
I will keep those pointers in mind and appreciate the response. Hopefully will be tackling it around july 4 week on my week off for vacation. Thanks

Phil

My tensioner was still working at 150K miles (at least I assumed it was the original when I first looked at it at 98K miles). I did change it at 150K miles (2nd TB change) to be safe. I have heard of aftermarket tensioners failing. I think Sparky experienced that.

IMHO, when you consider the expense of a TB change on these trucks, what's another $100? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> I say change it and have peace of mind <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

be sure to pin it before removing the tension so you dont have to compress it.


the only time ive seen the tensioner fail was due to someone compressing it in a vice too fast.

Yep, dont know what brand aftermarket tensioner failed on my gen1 a few years ago. I was in a field on side of the road 60 miles from home and needed it to run that day. I was not too far from a parts shop so I put in another aftermarket one. Had the tools in the truck to do the job on side of the road. Still good after 3.5 years and thousands of miles.

My tensioner had to be replaced at 327K miles. So I think they last a good while.

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Wild Goose, did you put up a thread on your 3.5 SOHC swap? Scoop...

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