Boxster Chain Tensioner

[DONDEE]

Originally Posted by derfo

Someone more expert than me may chime in if I am wrong, but from what I have read up to now the 5 chain motor only needs to be locked on one side. I think you will find the grooves on the other side. Because it is 5 chain there is a lot less tendency for it to jump out of time. If you go to the tech articles on this site (Pelican) replacing the IMS for instance, you will see the diagrams of the 5 and 3 chain engines. You will also find info that will be useful to you.

Originally Posted by Meirschwartz

in the 5 chains engines, you will need to look the exhaust cam on one side.
there are grooves on the cam.
see pic when locking tool is installed on the exhaust cam on bank 1.
that will be behind the passenger seat.

Hi there! This is an old thread regarding replacing the external tensioners but I hope someone out there can still give a good piece of advice. I have the same issue of the chains rattling during startup and was told that the chain tensioners are getting weak and need replacement. I have searched thru the Boxster forums and have found similar answers but not getting the advise I need. Pardon me but I'm a new Porsche owner and this is my first time to work on one. I have a 1999 Boxster with 5 chain engine.

I heard having to use the camshaft locking tool and the crankshaft locking tool to replace the tensioners, ONE at a time. I will need to replace all three tensioners. With the crankshaft locked at TDC, I can replace the IMS to crankshaft chain tensioner. When replacing the bank 1 (cylinders 1-3) tensioner do I lock the crankshaft at TDC and then pop out the green cap and install the camshaft locking tool into the exhaust cam on bank 1? The tool on the picture shown above from Meirschwartz looks different from the P253 tool Wayne used on his book. hmm. From there, I can then remove and replace the bank 1 tensioner.

Per previous threads, locking the bank 1 side will also lock the bank 2 (cylinder 4-6). Is that correct? From that assumption I can go ahead and replace the bank 2 tensioner or do I have to rotate the engine first to ensure bank 2 (cylinders 4-6) are also at TDC?

Please correct me if I'm wrong in any of my statements above.

Also, I mentioned the locking tool shown on the picture per Meirschwartz is different from the P253 tool Wayne mentioned in his book. Where can I buy that tool that Meirschwartz showed? Or will either that or the P253 can do the job?
Thanks. I do appreciate any input.