Question : Help with a timing belt tenioner

[95Grand-Am]

I replaced a timing belt on a 96 luminia. After I finished I read the artical on this web sight. It said not to remove the vent plug in the tensioner to put a paperclip in it. I did, I also didn't put any oil in it. It felt sold when installed and the paperclip removed. Is the missing vent plug in the tensioner going to give me any problems?

[pocket-rocket]

Most likely belt shavings will get in it and jam it up down the road. I would get a new one if I were you, to be honest. It's cheap insurance against getting stranded.

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[Schurkey]

Pull it back out, install the vent plug after filling it with oil.

[95Grand-Am]

What does the oil in the tensioner do? Does the vent plug just keep dust out of the tensioner? Do you think it will mess up if I don't put oil in it and reinstall the plug?

[Schurkey]

What does the oil in the tensioner do?

Lubricates the assembly.

Does the vent plug just keep dust out of the tensioner?

Dust out...oil in.

Do you think it will mess up if I don't put oil in it and reinstall the plug?

I ran mine without a rubber plug for a couple of years. I had it filled with oil, though.

PULL IT BACK OUT, fill with oil, and reinstall the plug.

[95Grand-Am]

I pulled it back apart, and filled the tensioner with oil and put the vent plug back in. You are right, I'm better off having it be right then have to worry about it messing up down the road. Thank You.