Has anyone actually DIY chain tensioner pads? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

NewArt · 10-08-2013, 09:05 AM

Ahh, I see. Clear as beer!

Nt sure what you mean by L/R integrity. Figure the car would split open laterally?

pjq · 10-08-2013, 03:22 PM

No I don't think it would split open but may it rack/twist or spread slightly??
The bentley book shows the procedure with the support removed. 101 Projects shows the project with the support in.
I read somewhere, 101 projects website I think, that wayne recommends if you do remove the support be sure to get a four wheel alignment.
I also saw an engine installation on line where they are using a come-a-long to pull the sides back together so as to be able to install the axle support, so on that note I guess the sides must have moved some?
For me temporarily jacking the car up higher was not an issue but removing the cross member structure was an unknown that may have issues. I had a failed engine (IMSB and metal throughout the engine)but I didn't know just how extensive it was at that time, I didn't need any more unknowns.

As a side note - when i removed the exhaust sytem it come out quite easily, 1 piece. After sitting to the side for 5 months when i went to install it back in its place it wouldn't fit width wise. In that time period, 5 months, it had sprung out, approx. 1 inch. Just enough I could not get it into position. I had to use 2 ratchet straps to very slowly pull it back together then place it into position and secure it.

So if you did remove the axle support I would put it back immediately after the engine was slide out from under the car.

NewArt · 10-09-2013, 05:23 AM

Yes, you're probably right. When I removed the aluminum plate that covers the transmission and had removed the diagonal support bars in order to get it out, I had a bit of a time getting them back into place because the bolts were displaced about 1/2" within half an hour.
I have the 101 book and Amazon should be ringing my door soon with the Bentley's.
Still a couple of weeks before the snow flies here in Montreal. Figured I may attack this project in November. I'll try to gather the necessities in the meantime.

NewArt · 10-09-2013, 05:27 AM

BTW, this link shows someone using a support bar: Project NUTROD
did you use one? I guess this is for security?

ExRallyXer · 10-09-2013, 01:04 PM

One of these billet tensioner paddles might be a worthy investment since you're going to all that trouble:
FOR PORSCHE: 10610, 106 10 - READY TO SHIP - (BILLET CRANKSHAFT TO IMS CHAIN TENSIONER PADDLE BOXSTER/CAYMAN)

It takes OEM Porsche tensioner pads.

I saw a 3.6 from a 03 C4S that was in my mechanic's shop for a rebuild the other day and the tensioner paddle was snapped clean in half..

pjq · 10-09-2013, 05:29 PM

NewArt yes I used one (home made) and its not for security, you need it... unless you have a car hoist, you might be able to do the project in a different sequence with a hoist.
The engine is bollted with the transmission, the only support holding this unit in place is the engine support at the front of the engine and the left and right transmission support.
If you remove the transmission to get at the engine, the engine will only be supported by the front engine support, this is insufficient support. So you have to temporarily support the engine from above (like project nutrod) or below with a jack.
The jack I removed my transmission with was the same jack that I was going to use to lower my engine with, so it becomes a matter of logistics. Logistics of tools as well as space. I went with the support from above.

Below are some home made tools that might help you, let me know if you want measurements.

engine strong back support 2(2x4x60")

steering pump tank syringe with tube

coolant thermostat remover/installer (1 5/8" cooper drain pipe)

car lift pad (hockey puck and 1/2" pipe flange)

NewArt · 10-10-2013, 09:51 AM

Love that 2x4 brace! I've found some links on this forum on the fabrication of specialized tools like cam positioning etc.
Maybe I can fashion my own tensioner pads out of soapstone or something! Or not. 😜
Thanks for any and all advice! Pictures are a great help.

BYprodriver · 10-16-2013, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExRallyXer

One of these billet tensioner paddles might be a worthy investment since you're going to all that trouble:
FOR PORSCHE: 10610, 106 10 - READY TO SHIP - (BILLET CRANKSHAFT TO IMS CHAIN TENSIONER PADDLE BOXSTER/CAYMAN)

It takes OEM Porsche tensioner pads.

I saw a 3.6 from a 03 C4S that was in my mechanic's shop for a rebuild the other day and the tensioner paddle was snapped clean in half..

You have to split the case halves to install that, but you can buy it much cheaper directly from LN

NewArt · 10-17-2013, 06:40 PM

Yeah, I don't know if I want to dig that deep on my first foray. I'm thinking cam timing and tensioners, check/replace the lifters if necessary, install low temp thermostat and maybe replacing the ATF temp sensor wiring harness which has been throwing me P0710 codes (see my post elsewhere about this: D-4 lights flashing but normal shifting? - Pelican Parts Technical BBS ).
From the "if it ain't broke..." school, I know, but there's always preventative stuff to be done on an old car!