92 DOHC

[dyermullet]

I am confused about the tensioner actuator. The directions I have off of alldata say to clamp it vertical in a vice and let it sit for 5 minutes then retract the plunger and install the paperclip. I can manage to handle that. Then it says if the internal oil level is low fill it to the bottom of the hole with synthetic 5w30. I have tried that on two different actuators and on both of them the oil just pours out the end.
What gives? what is the procedure for filling the oil level and are both of my actuators bad?

[OldSkoolGP]

You're missing the rubber plug that fills the hole so the oil doesn't leak out. Just fill it and put RTV over the hole and let it sit overnight so it cures.

[dyermullet]

Ok I have the actuator clamped vertical orientation with with plunger down and the plug hole up, I fill i with oil and it all drains out the bottom the plunger end.

So..... does that mean they are both bad?

[pocket-rocket]

Sounds like you have a torn boot which means you wouldn't want to use that actuator, or belt shavings could get in it and make it seize, possibly making your engine jump time as the belt ages. If that happens at high rpms, that *could* possibly bend valves even though it is a non interference engine. www.rockauto.com is an awesome place for parts.

This link is to a thread that has a 5% discount on their already lower then parts store prices (scroll down to the bottom for the most current and up to date discount code):

http://60degreev6.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27529&highlight=rockauto+discount&page=5

[dyermullet]

I removed the boot to clean everything, so the boot is what retains the oil? I figured it was a seal internal to the actuator.

[pocket-rocket]

I haven't pulled one apart in a few years since I haven't had to do any belt changes. I thought that the boot holds the oil though. If it were a seal in there you should be able to see it in there with the boot removed. A seal would be one more piece GM had to make and use making it a little more expensive, which they probably would not want to do since even little costs add up when you produce tons of engines/parts. I would look in there and see if there is a seal present though. I don't have one handy to look at without tearing an engine partially apart to check this, or I would look at it for you.

Edit: BTW, welcome to the forums

[dyermullet]

I'll check it out later today. I bought a factory service manual that should be here in a few days. That will probably answer all my questions. Just from my 2 hours of fooling around with this car I can't see the average joe being able to change this belt on their own.


BTW: Has anyone made their own puller to remove the cam gears I will not be spending the $150 on the special tool so I am going to make my own puller and I am looking for ideas. A friend of mine has the cam holder tool so I am able to use that but I need the cam puller tool. According to this website only 91-93's need a puller to loosen the gears.

[pocket-rocket]

Just be sure to use the gear holder too, not just the cam flat hold down tool. Otherwise you will rip the threads right out of the cam carrier trying to use the flat hold down tool to hold the cams while you honk on the pulley bolt. The gear holder has 3 prongs on it that go inside the cam gear. It also has a hole in the middle for a deep socket or a shallow w/ an extension to work the bolt. It goes on a 1/2" drive ratchet as well, to hold the cam gear still.

[dyermullet]

I was able to get the bolts loose now I just need to get the gears off.

[dyermullet]

I timmed the engine and ran it, it made 30 seconds of running and then the belt went slack. Somehow the actuator jumped off of the tensioner pulley?
WTF any advice?

[pocket-rocket]

Make sure the ball on the end of the actuator is in the "socket" of the tensioner pulley. It is easy to overlook and just toss it all in there.

[OldSkoolGP]

Did you remember to put the front actuator bracket back on? That needs to be on to old the actuator in place with the bolts torqued to 36 ft/lbs. I bet you either forgot it, or if you did not your actuator is internally broken and you need to get a new one.

[dyermullet]

I just bought a new tensioner from the local chevy dealer. It runs great now. I just took it on a 50 mile trip yesterday.

Does anyone know what fuel economy to expect from this car?

[pocket-rocket]

I've gotten around 28 or so IIRC on the highway with the WOT chip. I have also taken it down to 12mpg on the other end of the spectrum, but I had a lot of fun that day

[dyermullet]

Well now I have no powerstearing. The car didn't feel like it had enough assist anyways and it kept getting less and less untill now none. I havn't had a chance to work on it yet but the pump isn't making any noise and I have fluid. any ideas?