Has anyone ever used one of these tools ?
I picked one up for $12.00 with shipping
It compresses the 3.4 tensioner back in without removing it

 

a link for a better pics
http://www.denlorstools.com/home/dt1...oner_comp.html

 

Yeah, I think a couple folks have used them. I guess you don't need to use it if you are replacing the tensioner as it will already be pinned. Nice grab for $12 though.

Think I read that you can also remove the tensioner and use a press to re-compress it. Can't remember for sure though.

 

You can remove the tenioer but you need to remove the A/C pump and the tentioner can be pressed in with a vise.

 

like above, don't need it if you're replacing the tensioner, but it would've been very nice to have the first time... (i'll replace it next time). it makes it so you don't have to remove the tensioner (after a/c pump is moved) from the engine. recommended, esp. at $12!

 

when i did a 3.4 tb i just loosened the bolts that hold the tensioner on about 3/4 of the way out and it was slack enough to do the belt and then just bolted it back up, no need for special tools or pressing

 

Where did you find it for $12? I have to do this job soon and didn't want to pay the $30-40 for it.

 

Buy a new tensioner instead. The cost is $40 list from Toyota.

 

True. But you probably had to remove the A/C bracket to get to the bolts. This is the step that the tool eliminates, and it is pretty much a PIA.

 

craigslist .
i put a new tenioer last time

 

i just had to loosen it enough to get my wobbly back there, not take it off

 

i do tb's for side money and thats how i usually do it, but that tool would have been nice to have. i can usually knock it out in about 3 hrs, had alot of practice ha ha

 

Then you should be good to go. Amazon sells the Schley made one for less than $30 and on certain arbitrary days, includes free shipping on it.

Some auto shop that closed down was selling tools not too long ago near DC and they had the Schley crank holder, used, for $20. I should have bought it for my upcoming TB change.

Three hours is pretty darn good; I hope you pocket some good $$$ for such.

 

Do you usually use OEM belts, or something else, ie. Gates, etc.?

 

Bando is OEM for accesory belts, use them. Mitsuboshi is OEM for timing belt.

 

I used that same tool yesterday when I did the TB/water pump on my 98 Tacoma. Worked really well, the only issue I had was when I went to pin the tensioner, the little piston was turned in such a way that the hole was missaligned. Easy fix though, I just let the tension off and turned the piston. You got a screaming good deal on the tool! I bought my tool off of a tool truck for $30; good eyes!

 

Just take your time compressing the tensioner- it takes some patience but you don't want to force it.

 

can someone post pics of this tool in action? also, if i remove tension-er, do i have to replace? it seems to be in good shape!

 

what do you guys use for holding the cams in place. That was my biggest challenge.

 

From this excellent write-up:Linky

No. You can remove, verify it is in spec and replace. Or just remove and replace, but why? If you use the tool, just keep the ring thingy in until the belt is installed. If you do the check, the ring thingy has to come out anyway and be replaced in a vise or with a jack against the truck frame. If you remove or replace the tensioner, the special tool is pretty much a waste of money/time. Normally you would leave the tensioner in place if you are using the tool.

To check tensioner per FSM (page EM-18, '99 4Runner FSM):

a) No more than the faintest trace of oil on push rod area
b) You can't compress tensioner push rod by pushing tensioner by hand against a flat surface
c) Protrusion of push rod from housing is between 10.0mm and 10.8mm.