timing chain tensioner - Aus 450SE

[s class]

I tried to fit the tensioner yesterday, and found that one of the two mounting bolt's holes was stripped out.  It had been previously 'repaired' with epoxy in the hole.      

There seems more than enough meat for a helicoil, but gee, there's just no way to get a drill in there.  Can one get 90 degree adaptor 'fittings' for drills?

Its never simple heh.

[s class]

Turns out that 90 degree adapter gearboxes (for fitting to the front of a regular drill) do exist.  My friendly industrial supply shop will have one tomorrow - I just need to measure the space available to make sure it will fit before I buy. 

[TJ 450]

Oh, that's not good. Hopefully the helicoil works out.

Tim

[s class]

Well it does explain why there was such an oil leak at the tensioner before.  A helicoil will be 100% in this instance.  The only trickyness is getting in there to drill, and of course tapping will have to be done 'blind'.  Obviously, I'll only get one shot at this....

[pompy]

s class, s class - he can do it - if he can't do it - no one can!

[s class]

Is that an expression of your faith in my abilities, or an expression of your desperation and hope? 

[pompy]

hmmmmm... f and a.

[WGB]

When the going gets tough the tough get clever.

[s class]

I bought the 90 degree gearbox for my drill this morning.  Its impressively compact, and will fit nicely into the available space.  My intent is to do the helicoil tonight. 

[s class]

I may have a better solution - I have found that only the first 8mm deep of the hole is stripped out.  There is still another 13mm of good thread behind it.  I'm thinking that probably 12 of those 13mm are useable if a stud is inserted..... I'm sure 12mm will be enough - its more than a helicoil would be anyway.  Anyone else have thoughts on that?

[s class]

The studs worked perfectly, and the tensioner installed fine.  The timing is all buttoned up now. 

I got as far as cranking the engine on the starter motor (with no spark or fuel supply).  The intention was to try and get oil pressure.  After a modest effort I gave up for fear of killing the battery or starter motor.  It seems the oil pump has lost prime.  Any ideas on how to prime it without removing the sump or anything quite so drastic?  Or should I just keep trying?

[TJ 450]

I changed my 6.9's oil on the weekend. It took maybe a minute of cranking in 10 second bursts for the pressure to start building in the gauge. I doubt there is any way to prime the pump on the M117, other than cranking or running the engine.

Tim

[s class]

I really would like to get oil pressure before letting the engine run and prime itself, because of the new tensioner.  I guess I'll just keep trying.  I will probably have the battery jumped off another one in a running car, so as not to kill the battery.