Tensioners

[07 Boss]

So I have an odd question. I have to pull some of my timing components to install a new oil pump. The tensioners are brand new. Can I just squeeze them shut with a clamp or something and reinstall the little retaining clips to reinstall them. I've never reused tensioners, I've always just replaced them when I did the timing but these ones have less than 20 miles on them.

 

[whitmanink]

i would say it depends on how many miles they got on em,, if its been less than 30,000 miles than , id say it would be ok , just as long as they move as they should with no obvious signs of damage or wear, ,, yes you can squeeze them closed,, just do it slow ,,then put the clip in place to loc it closed untill you reinstall , and i would also recommend the felpro gaskets for the tensioners ,,

that goes without saying , i would recommend a full timing kit if its over 60k old

 

[lwarrior1016]

What tensioners did you use, plastic or iron?

I know this is a heated debate on here, but the iron tensioners don’t go bad. If you have the plastic ones, just make sure the seal is still good. If it is, compress them and reuse. I’ve reused the iron tensioners dozens of times, I don’t like the plastic tensioners though.

 

[07 Boss]

i would say it depends on how many miles they got on em,, if its been less than 30,000 miles than , id say it would be ok , just as long as they move as they should with no obvious signs of damage or wear, ,, yes you can squeeze them closed,, just do it slow ,,then put the clip in place to loc it closed untill you reinstall , and i would also recommend the felpro gaskets for the tensioners ,,

that goes without saying , i would recommend a full timing kit if its over 60k old

Timing kit is literally brand new, 20 miles or so. I just never tried recompressing the tensioner before, never had the need. Was just wondering if I was going to eff them up by doing so. I got felpro gaskets for the front main seal and such but I don't think I thought about the o-rings on the tensioner itself.

Thanks

 

[07 Boss]

What tensioners did you use, plastic or iron?

I know this is a heated debate on here, but the iron tensioners don’t go bad. If you have the plastic ones, just make sure the seal is still good. If it is, compress them and reuse. I’ve reused the iron tensioners dozens of times, I don’t like the plastic tensioners though.

I think they're metal. I got the Ford Performance timing kit from CJ Pony as they are across town from me so whatever ones came with that kit. I really didn't pay too much attention and my mental recall is not what it used to be. lol I was more worried about effing something up by pressing them back in.

 

[MrBhp]

Are they the ones that has the pin lock on them? You remove it once installed. If so, I have re-used them with no issue.

 

[lwarrior1016]

I think they're metal. I got the Ford Performance timing kit from CJ Pony as they are across town from me so whatever ones came with that kit. I really didn't pay too much attention and my mental recall is not what it used to be. lol I was more worried about effing something up by pressing them back in.

Snap a picture when you pull it back apart.

Either way, you’ll be alright. Just compress them slowly so the oil can come out. No big deal at all.

 

[05stroker]

If they are the plastic ones you can reuse them as long as the gasket doesn't brake when you remove them.