[Vwdiesel] Timing belt tensioner

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

  Likewise, I've changed 1 or 2 tensioners in a couple hundred K miles 
on my early diesels.  I kept them for a long time at least because I did 
the "right" thing and changed it with the belt.  One was a little noisy, 
one not.  Haven't changed one since.  I've had more bent valves 
from bolts coming loose or even more from a worn pump bushing.  Never have 
seen a siezed tensioner, but then...
  Just like water pumps.  I replaced several on my Rabbit alone.  Haven't
changed one at all for years!  Changed 3 in less than 3 years on our 
mini van!
  Simply put, stuff happens and is more likely to happen with old 
parts than new but not always.  I guess if all your electrons are 
spinning in the same direction it's a good time to leave it be.  If 
not, don't risk it!  ;-)
    Loren


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