chain tentioner question not in the book.

[ertech]

Hi
In Wayne`s book .I do not think it shows how to make the transition for the c clamp or visegrip to the chain tentioner .It says to always keep tention on the chain . how do we do this while changing over?
Thanks

[dtw]

I do this while I have rockers on 1 & 4 I&E, but before the rest of the rockers are in. Rotate engine to TDC ignition on 1 or 4, depending if you're installing left or right tensioner. Idea being, no valve spring pressure pushing back on the rocker/cam.

Then I just remove my mechanical tensioner that I used for timing the cams (or vicegrip, or clamp, or whatever), while supporting the idler arm with my free hand. Then I install the oil-tensioner. Thread on the M8 retaining nut, pull the pin, done.

[RichHawk]

Finger pressure.
Really all that matters is that you do not allow the chain to slip one tooth off the engine or the cams. and really sitting still on your engine stand, with only two of the rockers installed, there isn't enough potential energy to make the cams jump violently.

If you are really paranoid, don't let it go completely slack. I stopped worrying about it while disassembling after Valve to piston check, and nothing moved on it's own, and even with completely slack chains I had to really work to get the cam gear wiggled out of the chain.

My humble opinion, with 0.5 rebuilds under my belt. Ignore what I say if anyone with experience says different.

Richard