I recently bought a 93 4runner, buddy said timing is messed. So I tore everything down and noticed no spring tensioner and Idler Pulley #1 bolt hole striped.

As I got looking around I noticed that in 93 the tensioner switched from spring to hydraulic. Ok thats fine except there was no hydraulic tensioner when I removed. I will be replacing #1 Idler Pulley.

My question is can I just use the a spring tensioner setup? Will it bolt right up? Does the pulley bolt up to a different hole than the one that is striped?

Thank You in advance for all the help.

 

Didn't know if this pic would help to see if I can switch from hydraulic to spring.

 

I ran into the same problem, but in reverse. I had a '91 with a spring tensioner, and got a '93+ replacement engine with a hydraulic tensioner.

The idler you are holding is for the hydraulic tensioner (in case you didn't already know).
The spring tensioner appears to use the hole by the water pump (here's a pic).



So, to switch to a spring tensioner, You must have the following parts (made for that setup):

1. #1 Idler pulley
2. Tension spring
3. Bracket that holds the other side of the spring
4. Fan bracket (I'm pretty sure you already have that).
5. #2 timing belt cover (the plastic one at the top). This is shaped differently, based on the fan bracket (You should already have this too)

Below are what the hydraulic versions of these parts look like:

Tensioner

Fan Bracket

#2 Timing Cover

 

Thank you Cyberman for the reply. Great pictures, that solves alot for me. I am going to to switch to the spring tensioner setup.

 

Well I got this issue figured out. It turned out that the previous owner had put a fan bracket from a 92 and later in rather that the 93 and later, so there was no where to put a hydraulic tensioner. I did go ahead and switch the #1 idler puller and put in the spring tensioner instead. I needed the following to switch over:
1. Idler pulley from 92 and later
2. Spring tensioner and mounting bracket for spring that bolts on water pump
3. Water pump from 92 and earlier (because it has the dowel to mount idler pulley
4. #2 timing belt cover from 92 and earlier
5. Fan bracket from 93 and later (which I already had because of the previous owners mess up.

I will post pics after to show the differences to maybe help someone in the future.

But in the meantime my 4runner starts no problem but only runs for about 5 seconds then dies. And I discovered the fuel filler hose was sheared off. Would this have something to do with that? Or does anyone have any other suggestions.

 

Well just another update I replaced my MAF Sensor and it runs great. Now for a little rust control, never done any body work but I am sure I will git-er-done.

 

I hope this helps somebody sometime down the road. The pics I was going to post.

Here is the difference between the two pulleys


Here is the difference between the two water pumps


Here is the difference between the two timing belt covers


Here is the difference with fan mount


And just some randoms

 

Don't see any pics....?

 

There the pics should be visible now sorry about that

 

That's good information with nice pics, thanks for taking the time to post it.

 

I agree good info! This is why some 3vze still running!