Got a timing chain tensioner from Amazon recently but something is off about it. Check out the pics. I don’t have snap ring pliers yet so I cannot take it apart but I don’t think this tensioner is legit. It did come in a Genuine GM box though.
The tensioner came to me in the released state (I presume)…I can push the pin in without any effort at all….seems like there is no spring. The pin does not look like the one in the tensioner comparison photo I copied from here. Twisting and pushing doesn’t make it set back in….hitting it does nothing to activate it. Pin just moves in and out easily by hand.
Maybe this is why some are having an issue with skipped timing chains when not taking the valve cover off and installing this
part. It has no spring pressure and oil pressure would take too long to activate the pin against the guide….opinions?

 

This is another example of why I will not do Amazon.
Which is getting harder and harder as Amazon is creating a monopoly.
Slovakia?
I know that the parts I purchase from Rockauto are legit.
Just stating my opinion.

 

How do you know? RockAuto is a website that vendors sell on, same business model as Amazon.

There is no secondary shaft, you are mixing the 2 up.

 

Thus the line 'just staing my opinion".
For me to not use Amazon is a personal decision.

 

I use the tensioner in the Cloyes kit I ordered. No problems.
installing just the tensioner is a dangerous gamble, if the timing chain has stretched.

 

I’m ordering the Cloyes kit…we’ll see if the tensioner is different.

 

Ok, keep us posted.

 

There was a thread comparing the different renditions of this tensioner bolt….anyone remember where it is?

 

You posted a picture from it. It is wrong to say "old" and "new"; the so called "new design" was always the part used in VVT engines. The 2.2L engine was not VVT until the 2009 model year, the 2.4L was always VVT.
There was a point when the part numbers was superseded, I don't think it was a major revision, just a consolidation.

 

With all the Uncertainty about this Critical Part would it not be Prudent to just buy a Genuine GM tensioner at a Discount online GM dealer ??
Or. for some guys not certain about doing the job.. Go to a GM Dealer Service Dept. an have them install the factory part.
Then you have a 2 year Warrantee in case there becomes an issue which could still be cheaper then having a Glitch or Replacing an engine.

I Just don't like Rolling The Dice !!!
Just a thought .......

Silverfox