timing chain tensioner removal

[cydways]

my head gasket failed (hoping just head gasket failure) and i have the cam sprocket zip ties to the timing chain for ease of re-installation but i cant seem to get that shaft lose that holds the timing chain tension sprocket in place.  i removed the bolt on the front of the head but nothing. is it just stuck? i have it sprayed down with penetrating oil now. the exploded view of the head doesn't show any retention clips. what am i missing?

[Benz Dr.]

That shaft is threaded inside so that you can hook on to it. Use a 6 mm threaded screw to pull it out. You will need to remove the chain tensioner and thermostat housing first before you pull the shaft out.

[Tyler S]

You will need to remove the cam sprocket to get the head off or you will be fighting it. Assuming you have set the engine to TDC #1, mark the chain and sprocket with a scratch from a sharp chisel or screwdriver. Remove the sprocket and tie a long ziptie to the chain and drop it down the engine out of your way. As Benz Dr mentioned, remove the tensioner. (Large nut, spring and tensioner piston) there are small parts inside so dont loose them.

[cydways]

got it! thanks for the replies!

[Benz Dr.]

You will need to remove the cam sprocket to get the head off or you will be fighting it. Assuming you have set the engine to TDC #1, mark the chain and sprocket with a scratch from a sharp chisel or screwdriver. Remove the sprocket and tie a long ziptie to the chain and drop it down the engine out of your way. As Benz Dr mentioned, remove the tensioner. (Large nut, spring and tensioner piston) there are small parts inside so dont loose them.

Are you removing the whole unit or removing it in parts?

[Tyler S]

Dan, I have found its easier to strip the head on the bench. Removing the tensioner innards to drop the chain down to get the head off. Then the tensioner body on the bench. The tensioner sprocket/arm and idler sprocket left in situ for benchwork.

[Benz Dr.]

I can see where you could do it that way. Tension on the chain makes it difficult to work with so I remove it as I'm taking everything apart.

[ja17]

Yes, I leave the chain unbroken and just drop it down out of the way.

[Benz Dr.]

I do it that way too but you need to remove the cam gear to do that, which means you're obliged to drop the chain tensioner gear out of the way to get everything apart. Since it really won't move out of the way before doing these steps, I remove the tensioner which requires removal of the thermostat housing. What I'm looking for is enough room to be able to drop the cam gear low enough that I can slip the timing chain off and that requires that the chain be loose enough to be able do all of this. 

Yes folks, we really do think about these things in our spare time.