is there a how to on changing the tensioner with pics? thanx

 

No, but there is a Haynes &/or FSM and many threads explaining, w/o pics.

 

It's not a hard job, but no fun at all either. There's a cover that you access the TC tensioner thru .... highly suggest taking off the PS rez and the front engine mount, will give you azz loads more room. Have fun .... oh, and don't worry about the rattle tattle when you start up after it's done - normal.

If you search the threads ... there are some tips, like loosening the bottom bolt and using it as a fulcrum point while removing the top bolt (this takes tension off the chain guide and makes depressing the plunger a tad easier). Make sure you have a clip or peice of wire actually in the hole a good ways to keep that thing from unloading on you while you pull it out. And of course ... don't drop the bolts in the TC cover!

I do recall seeing pix on here ... but as I said, you gotta search mate.

 

Use a high quality RTV for access cover. I used Permatex Black and it has been holding up fine so far after a few months.

Cover the power steering belt with some sheet of paper to catch oil spill.

If you still have noise after replacement, the tensioner gasket (TSB) may help.

 

what's a rtv?

 

There are direction in the stickies in replacing the water pump. You have to remove it to change the water pump. Read the end of the water pump write up, your going to have a nice noise that will make you think your car is going to die.

 

from the looks of your signature, you have either a 95 or 96. Hopefully your car is a 96. if you have a 95, the tensioners that are currently supplied by Nissan require replacement of the timing chain guide with an updated model. this means you will have to take off the timing cover - the guide cannot be replaced through the small access cover.

if you have a 96, you don't have to worry about replacing the guide, the tensioner will be a direct swap.

if your car is in fact a 95, you can opt to 'rebuild' your current tensioner - buy the updated one from nissan, and use the spring and other parts from it to rebuild your old one. this way, you won't have to worry about changing out the guide.

whatever you decide to do, DO NOT let the tensioner explode and drop into the timing cover


it's the silicone gasket-maker stuff that you can get at autozone. use it to re seal the access cover before you bolt it back on. i used permatex ultra copper for my rear valve cover gasket and it has not leaked.

 

RTV = Room Temperature Vulcanizing.

 

This thread on water pump replacement has some pix of tensioner

http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=227404