Well, I am starting to look through and gather stuff I will need for a cam install. I see that we need the Timing Belt Tensioner tool. I called mitsu yesterday and they said that I didnt have a valid part number, but I know alot of you guys got them off OTC. I dont see paying 34$ for something I may never use again so I will probably do what alot of others did and buy a threaded rod and nuts, 8mm x1.25 to use along with some anti seize compound and taking it really easy on the rod to prevent breaking it off. Just wondering how many others have used a homemade one and also any pics of it??

 

Okay, building this tool is not complicated at all if you can find the threaded rod and you've got the time to chase it down. When you're done building it you'll have a tool that will release the tension on the cam belt. You'll also have a tool that might bend or break while using it. If you decide to build a tool, make sure you use threaded rod that is hard enough to withstand the torque of use and won't twist off. Other's have reported bending or breaking when using common threaded rod.

On the otherhand, the factory tool is only ~$8 plus shipping and handling, prolly less than $20 altogether. It takes about 15 minutes to order it on the phone and comes preassembled, ready to use. It also won't break or bend in normal use.

If you're really bent on saving a buck or two, let me know and I can take detailed pictures of the factory tool.

 

haha, yeah I will probably make my own, Im sure i can find one hard enough to withstand the pressure. Also, where can you find the tool for 8$. I dont think it would be here when i needed it though.

 

Here you go.

http://www.otctools.com/newcatalog/detail.php3?id=656

 

Good find...

Or find a pin that will fit the tensioner (Mitsu has them for most of their cars)... mark where the tensioner bolts are to the engine (you’ll probably be able to see the bolt marks anyway when removed)... remove the whole tensioner... put it in a vise... compress it VERY slowly until you can get the pin in that will "lock it open". Re-install the tensioner where it was originally located. When your ready to tension the belt, pull the pin following the directions in the manual.

 

sounds too complicated to me, and isnt that the tool on OTC thats 34$? doesnt have a price. guess ill just stick to making one. Any one that has made one?

 

Made one... you have to find some REAL hard steel and turn the tensioner tool VERY slowly.

 

You can probably use the picture from that listing as a visual reference to build the tool.

Okay, I just called OTC. The tool is in stock for $8.55 plus ~$10 for ground shipping.

 

i think i will just make one...thanks though..you didnt have to call. I shouldnt be using it much anyway, so I dont see spending 20$ on something for one time.

 

I also bought some other tools from OTC to offset the shipping costs

 

any pics of home made tools??

 

Well, I went to look for some allthread rod tonight, and well NO luck, I couldnt find any in metric sizing that I needed. I went to both lowes and home depot and no luck at either one. Hmmm, where else could I score some 8mmx1.25 all thread rod?? I also went to autozone because someone mentioned on here about renting a tool from there, and they didnt even have a slight clue what I was talking about. I did pick up some permatex ultra grey, some engine assembly lube, and antiseize to use with the threaded tension tool to keep from breaking it off.

 

Try McMaster-Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com)

They've got the rod:

P/N: 93325A180
Metric B7 Alloy Steel Threaded Rod M8 Size, 1-Meter Length, 1.25mm Pitch
$ 8.24 Each

 

Go to Ace hardware,
1. pick up a 5/16 size thread bolt .89 cents
2. buy the 8 X 1.25 die $4.50
3. slowly run the die into the threads, backing of slightly while using WD-40

WALLAH...... Home made tensioner tool.

 

Good to know, thanks for posting this information.