Do I really need the cam chain tensioner tool?

[A62TURBO]

I'm getting ready to pull the cams and tensioner so I can replace the necessary seals. Reading some of the DIY's and watching a few videos I see people using the special tool to compress the tensioner. My question is do I really need that tool if I'm goona pull the tensioner, cams, and chain together as one unit? I've spent enough money on one time use tools already for my build and would hate to buy and wait for another. Thanks guys.

[infinkc]

Why pull the entire cam just to replace the seals? That would require you to take the timing belt off also, which you would need the cam bar. There is a reason they make the tool, and it's fairly inexpensive. I've done the tensioner seals a few times and I wouldn't do it without the tool.

[A62TURBO]

Well the motor is out of the car and I'm changing everything possible. Timing belt and sprockets are off already so I would like to get the seals done today and not wait for the tool to be delivered. My main reason for wanting to pull everything out as one is to keep the cam sprockets lined up, I don't want to mess anything up with the timing.

[walky_talky20]

It can be done without the tool, but it is a serious pain. I wouldn't do it without it.

I loan this tool out to AZ members, just cover the shipping. I usually send it first class mail, so it takes a few days but it's just 2 bucks each way.

[MDJ]

I second this. Just get the tool.

[A62TURBO]

Thanks guys, walkyalky pm me your paypal info.

[G Men 08]

It can be done without the tool, but it is a serious pain. I wouldn't do it without it.

I loan this tool out to AZ members, just cover the shipping. I usually send it first class mail, so it takes a few days but it's just 2 bucks each way.

Good man!


I did the seals on my V8 without the tool. It wasn't that bad. But the only reason I did it that way, is because I didn't know any better. I remember using a small set of picks and working tediously to get to the seal, and put the new ones in. It is doable without it.. But I am sure the tool makes for a much easier (plus peace of mind) job.

[The_Auto_Tech]

Get the tool. There's a reason they make it. It makes me cringe every time I see people not take the cams out to do the half moon seals. Anyone who has done them before knows that dirt hides in that groove they sit in and if you don't clean it out it's gonna leak again soon.

[A62TURBO]

Get the tool. There's a reason they make it. It makes me cringe every time I see people not take the cams out to do the half moon seals. Anyone who has done them before knows that dirt hides in that groove they sit in and if you don't clean it out it's gonna leak again soon.

I was under the impression that the tool was only made for compressing the cct in order to remove it without pulling the cams, I don't see what the need for it is if the cams, chain and cct are coming out at the same time.

[The_Auto_Tech]

I was under the impression that the tool was only made for compressing the cct in order to remove it without pulling the cams, I don't see what the need for it is if the cams, chain and cct are coming out at the same time.

I don't see how you could ever get the cam chain tensioner out without pulling the cams. It fits tightly in there even with pulling the cams out with it. Just get the damn tool and stop trying to work around it.

[AUDI_S4_ATL]

I did it without and had zero issues. Removed the bolts that hold it down and put steady pressure on the cct until it went down. If your engine has been sitting there should be minimal resistance while pushing it down. I've read many bad stories about using the tool and it breaking so I skipped using it all together. Since your engine is out, cleaning the mating surfaces should be no problem.

[JETSPEED333]

use the tool..you can buy one on ebay for 10 bux.... and if your changing the cam seals , yes, you will need to take off the timing belt....which you will need the cam bar(i've done this part with out the bar but don't recomend it...)

[A62TURBO]

I see how the tool might make it a bit easier but they still came out like butter without it.

[DNB01A64.2]

I did it without and had zero issues. Removed the bolts that hold it down and put steady pressure on the cct until it went down. If your engine has been sitting there should be minimal resistance while pushing it down. I've read many bad stories about using the tool and it breaking so I skipped using it all together. Since your engine is out, cleaning the mating surfaces should be no problem.

How did you do it? PM sent

[Nizmo]

Get the tool.

I do not recall ever pulling a cam for a half moon gasket replacement. It can be installed with cams installed. The tool is used to replace the tensioner gasket most specifically.

[zillarob]

This^^

Im sure there are ways to hammerphuk them together without the tool, but you dont want to do that.

[A62TURBO]

I pulled the cams and tensioner all at once, the tool is only required if you only need to pull the tensioner by itself or change seals. If you don't want to pull the cams, use the tool.