Removing 3 bolt cam-belt tensioner

[Guest]

We have a 1988 944 LUX and are attempting to remove the cam belt tensioner. The Haynes manual shows a sigle bolt tensioner fitted to this model whereas we have a 3 bolt version with no obvious means of getting a spanner on the nut behind the top left bolt. If we get it off how can we put it back on? Hope someone can help and thanks if you do.

 

[John Maddox]

All 87 onwards usually have a 3 bolt tenioner. I assume you realise the three nuts/bolts you can see on the front do not remove the tensioner. The nuts holding the tensioner to the block can be removed using a smaller type socket set - there is a clearance gap enabling a socket to reach every nut believe it or not, but not a spanner.

To hold the nut in the socket during replacement put some blue tac or similar in the socket before putting the nut in. This will hold it in place so it can be replaced easily.

Hope this helps.

 

[Guest]

With the tensioner in a certain position one or more of the nuts may not even be accessible by a socket. With the tension completely relaxed I think it block a nut from access-you must load the tensioner a little and use the position lockdown nut to keep it in position to reach all three nuts if I remember correctly...

The tensioner you are describing is correct for an 88 no matter what Haynes says....unless of course the engine itself is from an older car.....[]

TT