Hi Chaps

Does anyone know what the function of the cambelt tensioner is, and what are potential consequences of running the car (for some time) with this thing not functioning properly (e.g. can it damage the engine)?

Thanks for the info!


[Edited by Subarussian - 10/26/2001 10:06:33 AM]

 

If the cam belt jumps a tooth or more the engine will run very rough. A friend had it happen on his 205 rally car. In this case the valves did not hit the pistons but it is a risk. PS you would definatly feel the difference if that happened !

I would imagine not having a tensioner would give accelerated wear on the cam belt...Get it changed.

 

It's a bit more simple than that Seize. If the tensioner fails, so will the engine.

Get it CHANGED.

Mark.

 

Thanks!

Actually the dealer already changed it this week (under warranty). My concern is that I'd been driving with this fault for some time. Could I have damaged the engine? Obviously the dealer said no. But do you think I should request that they check some specific areas of the engine?

 

it won't have damaged anything but what areas do you want them to look at. i mean anything other than the pulleys under the covers will require heads off and you won't get that under warranty.

 

I wouldn't worry. If it had actually failed, and allowed the belt to go loose, you'd know about it.

The dealer probably saw that it was leaking a bit, and caught it in time.

Mark.

 

Actually I was hearing a strange engine noise when cold and asked the dealer to check it for piston slap. It turned out there was no slap, but this particular problem instead.

I am glad I got it fixed in time!

Thanks for the info!

 

Hi Subarussian

I had the same thing at a recent service - tapping noise when cold (only less than 10 degress C!) for 1st 45 seconds after start-up.

Scared it was slap, but also the tensioner - my00, 38k km's....

Richard