In the process and needing to gain access to the timing belt to re-time everything, I snapped the bolt that runs through the arm of the accessory belt tensioner. It broke right at the head, and looks like the shaft of the bolt is rusted to the inner arm of the tensioner, so it's not free to slide away from the block. Wondered if this has happened to anyone else and what the best course of action would be. It doesn't look like the tensioner comes apart from what i can see.

 

I would try to work the tensioner arm off of the bolt. Spray with wd40 or similar and keep working it, it should come off the bolt. Once the arm is off the bolt, you should be able to use a vice grip to try removing the broken bolt. Lubricant is your friend.good luck!

 

Thanks for the reply. I did put a few coats of PB blaster on it. That bolt does not thread into the tensioner correct? When loose the tensioner should just slide over the bolt?

 

Correct. Affirmative. Yep.

 

I've had a few of them break the threads of in the oil filter housing, likely due to being over tightened or from corrosion.


It's a bummer you already broke it. You could've just cut the tab off of the timing cover that is covered by the tensioner and taken the cover off without removing the tensioner :/

 

Ive also had one break. The bolt seized within the tensioner. If you can slide it off the bolt you should be good. Be sure not to strip out the bolts thread though. Can be a pain since its in the front case.

 

It's not in the front case. That center bolt is only in the oil filter housing.

 

Whew, finally got it out. Yes, the bolt shaft had completely rusted inside the tensionser. Working the tensioner back and forth, caused the spring to unseat. But, just glad I'm not having to drill or retap anything.