Timing Belt Tension tool
Originally Posted by Nad1370
Go to Ace hardware,
1. pick up a 5/16 size thread bolt .89 cents
2. buy the 8 X 1.25 die $4.50
3. slowly run the die into the threads, backing of slightly while using WD-40
WALLAH...... Home made tensioner tool.
1. pick up a 5/16 size thread bolt .89 cents
2. buy the 8 X 1.25 die $4.50
3. slowly run the die into the threads, backing of slightly while using WD-40
WALLAH...... Home made tensioner tool.
Originally Posted by propellerhead
My fear would be that the improvised tool would strip then be a ***** to get out out of the tensioner. Call me ****. I just can't see risking a screw up to save $10. I can see improvising in a bind in order to get a car on the road but not for "elective surgery" like a cam upgrade. The way I look at it is this: if I broke off a cheap or improvised tool, I'd be happy if all it cost me was $30 to bail my *** out of the jam. I call the $18 total cost of the tool "insurance".
The 8 inch 5/16 bolt only has 1 1/4 of thread in it. The rest is all rod which the die makes it's own thread. you should have no prob. re-threading what was on the rod originally.
If still in doubt... buy the 8 X 125 nut and try it there before going further.
You also don't have to crank down on it. As soon as you hit the tensioner with the rod.....STOP.
i actually thought about the rethreading thing while I was at home depot tonight...they had plenty standard size all threads. Just no metric. Hmmmmm... I may just call a few fastener places tommorow that were mentioned to me.
Evolving Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: CT
why go to all that trouble if you can just buy the tool for $18. 
you will be spending more if you rethread it incorrectly. Besides, you never know if your going to need it again and who knows maybe you can have it rent to someone nearby for $2-5 \ per day 
Just buy the tool and save your self the headache
you will be spending more if you rethread it incorrectly. Besides, you never know if your going to need it again and who knows maybe you can have it rent to someone nearby for $2-5 \ per day Just buy the tool and save your self the headache
Evolving Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: CT
BTW - you can also contact Miller Tools @ 800-801-5420 or visit their web site http://www.spxmiller.com
Well, do NOT order the 6001 when you call, but ask for the MLR-MD-998738. They are the EXACT SAME PART but the 6001 is a Chrysler number so it costs $47.xx while the other one cost $8.54. Same part. The lady on the phone was shocked as her computer brought up a picture of each and she could not belive the difference in price. Also, 93civEJ1, I would highly recommend that you buy the tool. When I used the 8mm x 1.25 rod the first time I was VERY LUCKY to get it back out in one piece. The rod had bent while compressing and had started to twist by time I got it out, it damn near snapped on me and I was going extremely slow to do the whole process. I used anti-sieze compound and everything, I was just lucky it came out.
I would just buy the tool. There are certain areas that I wouldn't skimp on, just try and imagine what you would have to go through if the tool broke off inside of the cover.
Doug W.
Doug W.
how big of a peice of rod did you use?? Im going to go ahead and use the rod. I have already purchased it and has been picked up by a friend from a local fastener store. They were the only ones that I could find that had them. Im going to cut the peice to about 9" long, if that, so that way should have a little more strength to it.
Originally Posted by joeycoates
Also, 93civEJ1, I would highly recommend that you buy the tool. When I used the 8mm x 1.25 rod the first time I was VERY LUCKY to get it back out in one piece. The rod had bent while compressing and had started to twist by time I got it out, it damn near snapped on me and I was going extremely slow to do the whole process. I used anti-sieze compound and everything, I was just lucky it came out.
We sell Tensioner tools made of hardened chrome moly. The cost is $36 each. We have several in stock and ready to ship. We have different lengths available for 1g, 2g, and Evo.
I had the last quarter inch of the threaded rod break off and wear a groove in my timing belt when it got caught in-between the belt cover and the oil-pump sprocket. So then I had to go change the whole damn timing belt just because I wanted to save a couple bucks. And I used anti-seize and went real slow. Take it from me. Buy the tool and don't take the chance.
