Tensioner Guard Installation

[reedr11]

I'm finishing up a top end re-seal. I decided to go with tensioner guards rather than pressure fed tensioners. I went to install the guards, using the spacer provided, and find that there is no clearance for the guard alone, let alone with the spacer. The actual distance the piston is extended above the tensioner body is about the same as the thickness of the guard, however the guard interferes with the idler arm, preventing it from being installed.

I did replace my timing chains/ramps as part of the project.

I know that I shouldn't install the guards without some clearance. The question is, could I have screwed something up that would cause such a small clearance? The engine turns smoothly and I believe my ramps are installed correctly (chains above ramps - top and bottom, I believe they are pointing the right direction as well).

I'm hoping that someone will say that this is typical for an engine with new chains, but I'm not betting on it.

On a separate note, I want to change the oil seal on the pulley and I can't seem to budge the pulley bolt. Can someone confirm that it is a typical thread (clockwise to tighten) and that it's just really tight.

Thanks. Rob

[Gene Wilkes]

It could be that your tensioners are on the way out!

[reedr11]

Even if I externally put tension on the the arms, there is not enought clearance to get the guard on. Therefore, even if my tensioners are on the way out, I don't think that's what's causing the problem.