96 GLE Timing Chain Tensioner

Should I get the kit (13091-31U26) and replace the tensioner and guide, or
should I use only the spring, plunger, and o-ring from the kit in my
existing tensioner? I want to do this only once.

Jim G

I decided to replace the tensioner, guide, and water pump while I'm in
there. I also discovered that the power steering pulley is warped. Today, my
son and I will move the compressor and alternator out of the way so we can
get the timing chain cover off. This has been fun (not).

"Jim G" <Jim G (AT) somewhere (DOT) home> wrote

Should I get the kit (13091-31U26) and replace the tensioner and guide, or
should I use only the spring, plunger, and o-ring from the kit in my
existing tensioner? I want to do this only once.

Jim G

Well, we're stumped by the chain cover. We removed all the bolts from the
front and pried on it from the top seam. But it won't break loose toward the
bottom. Are there two bolts threaded from the inside toward the cover? We
can see two bolt studs but not where they might be accessed. Anyone know the
answer to this riddle?

"Jim G" <Jim G (AT) somewhere (DOT) home> wrote

I decided to replace the tensioner, guide, and water pump while I'm in
there. I also discovered that the power steering pulley is warped. Today,
my son and I will move the compressor and alternator out of the way so we
can get the timing chain cover off. This has been fun (not).

"Jim G" <Jim G (AT) somewhere (DOT) home> wrote in message
news:c0658$463cb723$d066041d$29309 (AT) FUSE (DOT) NET...
Should I get the kit (13091-31U26) and replace the tensioner and guide,
or should I use only the spring, plunger, and o-ring from the kit in my
existing tensioner? I want to do this only once.

Jim G

After a little more googling, I think I have to remove at least the lower
oil pan and possibly the upper oil pan. Anyone know?

"Jim G" <Jim G (AT) somewhere (DOT) home> wrote

Well, we're stumped by the chain cover. We removed all the bolts from the
front and pried on it from the top seam. But it won't break loose toward
the bottom. Are there two bolts threaded from the inside toward the cover?
We can see two bolt studs but not where they might be accessed. Anyone
know the answer to this riddle?

"Jim G" <Jim G (AT) somewhere (DOT) home> wrote in message
news:d2be6$464b1fc4$d066041d$16035 (AT) FUSE (DOT) NET...
I decided to replace the tensioner, guide, and water pump while I'm in
there. I also discovered that the power steering pulley is warped. Today,
my son and I will move the compressor and alternator out of the way so we
can get the timing chain cover off. This has been fun (not).

"Jim G" <Jim G (AT) somewhere (DOT) home> wrote in message
news:c0658$463cb723$d066041d$29309 (AT) FUSE (DOT) NET...
Should I get the kit (13091-31U26) and replace the tensioner and guide,
or should I use only the spring, plunger, and o-ring from the kit in my
existing tensioner? I want to do this only once.

Jim G

Figured it out. There are two bolts inside the oil pan that hold the bottom
of the chain cover. I have a write-up with pictures on maxima.org.

"Jim G" <Jim G (AT) somewhere (DOT) home> wrote

After a little more googling, I think I have to remove at least the lower
oil pan and possibly the upper oil pan. Anyone know?

"Jim G" <Jim G (AT) somewhere (DOT) home> wrote in message
news:eba85$464b9af6$d066041d$18730 (AT) FUSE (DOT) NET...
Well, we're stumped by the chain cover. We removed all the bolts from the
front and pried on it from the top seam. But it won't break loose toward
the bottom. Are there two bolts threaded from the inside toward the
cover? We can see two bolt studs but not where they might be accessed.
Anyone know the answer to this riddle?

"Jim G" <Jim G (AT) somewhere (DOT) home> wrote in message
news:d2be6$464b1fc4$d066041d$16035 (AT) FUSE (DOT) NET...
I decided to replace the tensioner, guide, and water pump while I'm in
there. I also discovered that the power steering pulley is warped. Today,
my son and I will move the compressor and alternator out of the way so we
can get the timing chain cover off. This has been fun (not).

"Jim G" <Jim G (AT) somewhere (DOT) home> wrote in message
news:c0658$463cb723$d066041d$29309 (AT) FUSE (DOT) NET...
Should I get the kit (13091-31U26) and replace the tensioner and guide,
or should I use only the spring, plunger, and o-ring from the kit in my
existing tensioner? I want to do this only once.

Jim G