KV6 tensioner pully and arm
 

Hi all,

The 2.0 V6 has started making a loud rattling noise when it is started from cold which dies down after the engine has been running for just over a minute.

Originally I thought it was the inlet manifold. Replaced that and the noise didn't go, tried changing the oil incase a low quality filter had been fitted and was allowing oil to drain off from the engine - wasn't that either.

I've now come to the conclusion by looking at threads here that it could be the idler and or the tensioner arm. Can said suspect parts be tackled by the home mechanic, or is it a tad more complex than that?

The car is is 78k and the cambelt and water pump where changed when we got the car at 72k

All well and good but did they change the tensioner as well,

Rev

If it is the tensioner or the idler making the noise, then that would suggest that they didn't!

Doesn't necessarily mean that they haven't changed it, because the pulley bolt that holds it on to the tensioner can become slack. ;)
There was a bulletin about this happening, it advised that before it was fitted, reapplying threadlock on the bolt and re-torquing it down ;)

Russ

Yes Chris, the procedure is the same as for renewing the front timing belt. When that was done 6,000 miles ago, did the invoice show money being paid for a new tensioner pulley and/or idler?

Even if the tensioner pulley was replaced, was it set-up correctly? :eek: Your new belt (and engine) could be at risk! Best not take the chance. ;)

Simon

Invoice shows 1x water pump and 1 x cam belt kit....

The whole job was £700

That's too vague for my liking. What's in a "kit"? It might have just been the belts; that would qualify as a "kit". To be certain, you'd need the brand and part number which doesn't appear to have been given.

Your symptoms are exactly the same as mine were; a rattling sound from a cold start which only lasts a minute or so. My tensioner pulley bearing was very rough running and the idler wheel was oozing grease from its hub. I renewed them both and there's now no more rattling. I'd strongly recommend that you do the same, and make sure that whoever does the job is given a paper copy of the INA set-up instructions.

Simon

Not all (new) tensioners are perfect.
After a full cam belt, tensioner, oil pump, thermostat change and service etc on 70K I had a screaming noise occasionally, that was the tensioner

Thanks. Do you know where I can get a copy of the setup instructions?

Correct new parts can fail prematurely, Fella at work had to replace tensioner & idle wheel within 12 months of changing the belts on his zt as they had failed.