[Vwdiesel] Timing belt tensioner

[mark shepherd]

So if it looks old but feels like new, then keep it, but if it looks new but 
feels old /or new then change it with the belt ;o).
Mark
Buy a cheap new one to put in the shed and corrode....
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "James Hansen" <jhsg at sasktel.net>
To: "Iain Hunter" <sagspottery at tiscali.co.uk>
Cc: "VWfans" <vwdiesel at vwfans.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 5:25 PM
Subject: Re: [Vwdiesel] Timing belt tensioner


>
> Well my turn to chime in. :-)
> Tensioners used to ALL be good, becuase there were no cheap ones
> available, it was all dealer parts, or parts so close to dealer quality
> there was negligible difference, in some cases, the aftermarket was
> better, and having a tensioner failure was definitely not the norm- they
> would outlast the vehicle.
> Today in our "cheaper is best, damn the quality" society, weigh the cost
> of the tensioner against that of a valve crash/head job, because the
> likelihood of a new tensioner lasting through two belt changes is
> drastically less than it was years ago.  I wouldn't let my expectations
> get out of hand...
> I've taken new bearings apart for different reasons, and permanently
> lubricated shielded bearing quality has really fallen off over the
> years- you would swear grease was sold by the ounce when you see how
> much is used in some cheaper bearings these days.
>
> sounding old
> -james
>
> Iain Hunter wrote:
>> Hello.
>>
>> In removing the pump for inspection/ repair/ rebuild, I am have decided 
>> to replace the timing belt, while everything is off. The last time it was 
>> done was about 40,000 miles ago. Do you think it will need a belt 
>> tensioner also, as it had one last time?
>>
>> Cheers.
>>
>>
>> Iain. (vanagon 1.6td)
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