Do you have to remove the cams from the cam plate to remove the inner tensioner? The service manual wasn't very clear on that. Thanks.

Neil
RDMC

 

Do a search for other cam chain tensioner threads. The quick answer is no, you don't have to, but to do otherwise will take a dental mirror or similar small mirror, a lot of squinting and you likely won't get a complete view. To do it correctly you should pull the cam plate and if you're going through that much effort, might as well just replace them while the cam chest is open.

 

DGlide04,

Thanks, although I have already looked inside to see the inner shoe is basically gone. I am trying to find out if I have to pull the cams out of the cam plate in order to actually remove the tensioner after I pull the assembly from the motor. Thanks for you input.

Neil
RDMC

 

You can change the tensioners without taking the cams off the plate. You may want to do cam bearings and lifters while you're in there, depending on your mileage.

 

Thanks, I was going to replace the inner bearings when I pull everything apart. I only have 32,000 on it now. If I had the money I would just do a big bore, cams, lifters etc... but I don't have the money. At this point the easiest thing would be to just replace the tensioners and leave it as it is.

Neil
RDMC

 

Here's Dermott's LINK to follow that may help you.

 

No, you can do it without removing them.

 

i changed mine without removing the cams but it was a struggle if i would've had a vise to hold the cam plate i think it would've been easier. it's tough to hold the spring and slide the tensioner back on the shaft.mine had 58000 mi when the outter one disenagrated