Timing Chain Tensioner

HOW TO DETECT THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FAILURE

If you inspect the mechanical tensioner on your own, just demount the timing chain  protective cover and press the guide against the tensioner by hand. If the tensioner plunger is recessed into its housing, the part is defective. On some cars, a slight retraction of the tensioner rod is acceptable, but only if the pressure in the engine lubrication system has not yet reached the working level.

Hydraulic tensioners when pressed should curve concavely with resistance to 2-3 mm, and then return to the initial position.