3.4 timing tensioner question

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Oct 2, 2007 | 06:10 PM

base554

Thread Starter

Registered User

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 43

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From: Phoenix, AZ

3.4 timing tensioner question

I bought a '97 4Runner 4x4 with a 3.4 really cheap from a guy who thought the engine was blown. It just ran rough, so I thought I would take a chance and see if the timing belt had slipped.
I have it apart to where I can see to the timing tensioner, but I don't have the bottom pulley off yet. In other words, I have the plastic timing cover and the fan bracket off.
I found that the timing belt tensioner flops up and down about and inch.

My question is: It shouldn't do that, right? There should be tension on it, hence the name tensioner?

My theory is that the tensioner spring snapped, let the belt go slack for a second and the timing went out.
Any thoughts? I've never changed out a timing belt before and could use some advise from the experts.

thanks

Last edited by base554; Oct 2, 2007 at 07:37 PM.

Oct 2, 2007 | 07:39 PM

toy_tek

Registered User

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 1,342

Likes: 9

From: Phoenix, AZ

No it shouldn't "flop" around. Two bolts to remove the tensioner. I'd take it off and check it out.

From another thread:

Save yourself $60 and just remove the tensioner instead of buying the tool.

Quote:

Quote:
Originally Posted by 02SE
The biggest problem I had, was I had to unbolt the A/C compressor to access one bolt for the tensioner, but even that isn't difficult. Good luck.

Actually you can get to the aft tensioner bolt directly underneath it with a 12mm socket on a wobble extension. I had to remove two 10mm bolts for the little wire bundle that runs across the top front of the oil pan, and slide the wire bundle slightly to the drivers side to see the bolt head. Its there, a little tricky, but definitely quicker than taking off the a/c compressor.

Oct 5, 2007 | 06:05 PM

MTL_4runner

Contributing Member

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 8,807

Likes: 3

From: Montreal, QC Canada

On the 3.4 there is no spring tensioner, it is hydraulic and probably is broken which is why your lower idler is flopping around like you mention. Install a new hydraulic tensioner (you just need to remove the AC bracket to R&R it) and you'll be back in business. Nice job on snagging that deal!

Here's the part you need (ask for Bruce, very helpful guy):
http://www.store.partsdinosaur.com/product575.html

However if I were you I'd also replace the upper and lower idlers, the timing belt and the water pump to make sure your investment won't be diminished by a future failure.

Last edited by MTL_4runner; Oct 5, 2007 at 06:08 PM.