3.8 tensioner

[apiccola]

What is the recommended procedure to separate the the tensioner's coolant pipe from the timing cover?

[Gmtech1005]

Drive Belt Tensioner Replacement

Removal Procedure

Drain the engine coolant. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System in Engine Cooling.
Remove the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement .
Remove the transmission oil dipstick from the filler tube.
Remove the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor from the generator bracket.
Remove the generator. Refer to Generator Replacement in Engine Electrical.
Remove the heater hose from the drive belt tensioner. Refer to SECTION 1B.
Remove the drive belt tensioner bolts.
Remove the drive belt tensioner.

Installation Procedure

Install the drive belt tensioner.
Install the drive belt tensioner bolts. Tighten
Tighten the bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).


Notice
Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.


Install the heater hose to the drive belt tensioner. Refer to SECTION 1B.
Install the generator. Refer to Generator Replacement in Engine Electrical.
Install the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor to the generator bracket.
Install the transmission oil dipstick to the filler tube.
Install the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement .
Refill the engine coolant. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System in Engine Cooling.
© Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

That is the gm replacement document..I don't know if it helps ya any. They wrote this assuming you are a GM tech, and have a service manual, so it isn't that descriptive.

[apiccola]

thanks!

[apiccola]

I guess my question should be:

After the tensioner assembly is unbolted, should the fitting slip out of the timing cover with just a little prying or wedging... or do I need to expand the socket in the timing cover by heating it with a torch ... or am I stressing myself over nothing? This sucker is stuck!!!

[spydercam]

Re: 3.8 tensioner

For anyone else replacing this thing you just need to wiggle and pull out on it and eventually it will come out. It may give you He11 though...
I was searching around and didn't see this hint and I just removed this thing so I though I would share it with you.
My elbow has been leaking or atleast I hope that is all it is. The two ends of it where the o-rings go broke off ,one inside the tensioner assembly and the other in the head,or where ever the elbow goes into the engine at. I ended up losing it down the hole inside the engine and had to put a water hose up to the water pump hole where the tensioner goes in at and flushed it out the other side,I am so glad that is all I had to do to get it out.

I just hope this will stop my mysterious leak...

[ssms5411]

Re: 3.8 tensioner

Good info.

[johns00c]

Re: 3.8 tensioner

If the elbow gets stuck in the engine you can take a hack saw blade and break it in half, and cut it out. The blade only cuts one way, so you don't have to worry about getting plastic on the inside of your engine.

[spydercam]

Re: 3.8 tensioner

In my case it was so brittle it broke up for me._lol
Thanks ssms.

[spydercam]

Re: 3.8 tensioner

Well it is all back in and hopefully leak free,only time will tell.
It is recommended to get new o-rings for the heater hoses though,I reused one but the other broke on me,the friendly Napa right down the road for me supplied me with a brand new one free of charge,good guys.
If your getting mysterious loss of coolant check this thing out,it just may be it. I hope that is all it is anyways...
Also the directions say to put the elbow in the tensioner and then install the tensioner,I tryed and couldn't do it easily,for me it was easier to install the elbow then work the tensioner on to it.


Btw thanks for this site,it is great to get on here and be able to pull up directions for things like this.