reddroptop Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 Finally got around to opening up my 1994 Cutlass Supreme convertible with the infamous 3.4 DOHC engine. The engine had a sound like Spike Jones Band coming from the front of the engine. And as suspected it was the timing chain tensioner failure. Luckily about 2 years ago I obtained the tool set for this engine on Ebay for only $49.00. As this car has only 64k miles I was really disappointed. I do my repairs and I firmly believe that the engineers who designed the engine were on crack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOT2B GM Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 The timing chain tensioner failed at 64k? or was it the timing belt tensioner? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nas Escobar Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 The timing chain tensioner failed at 64k? or was it the timing belt tensioner? The LQ1 coudn't have a chain on it.... could it? I know mine is belt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galaxie500XL Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 (edited) Actually, the LQ1 has BOTH a belt, and a chain...the chain is under the timing cover, and runs from the crank to the shaft that actually drives the belt....but at 64K, I suspect what they are describing is the hydraulic actuator that provides tension for the timing BELT, rather than the one for the chain. I replace that actuator at each belt change...which unfortunately has meant two actuators in the past 35,000 miles. Edited November 22, 2013 by Galaxie500XL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White93z34 Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 That sound does sound like a failed belt tensioner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertISaar Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 I replace that actuator at each belt change...which unfortunately has meant two actuators in the past 35,000 miles. at least when the zombie apocolypse happens, you'll have spares. i don't think the zombie USPS would be very reliable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOT2B GM Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 There'll be a day in the near future when that part will be made of unobtainium. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galaxie500XL Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 They're already somewhat hard to source. The plate with the bushing that holds it in place is already almost impossible to find. Unfortunately, the two actuators I've pulled off the car, one is the one that was on it when I purchased the car..while it was functioning, I have no idea as to how old it is, and the second failed after only 30,000 miles. I really should get another actuator ordered, to go along with my pile of parts. Ain't LQ1's fun? There'll be a day in the near future when that part will be made of unobtainium. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOT2B GM Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 I'm not hoarding, these are good parts right here!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galaxie500XL Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 The parts I've collected would make an embarrassingly long list...but among the hard to find stuff, I've got a spare PCM, a MAF, and an EGR...and that's just for starters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOT2B GM Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 you should see my garage..... I live up to the quote in your sig, except I have four LQ1's on the road Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reddroptop Posted November 22, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 you should see my garage..... I live up to the quote in your sig, except I have four LQ1's on the road The part that failed was the TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galaxie500XL Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 ..well, that cleared that up.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOT2B GM Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 I'm amazed that it failed with that low of miles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jman093 Posted November 23, 2013 Report Share Posted November 23, 2013 I'm amazed that it failed with that low of miles. Especially since it's mechanical; not hydraulic like the belt tensioner. Not much there to fail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schurkey Posted November 23, 2013 Report Share Posted November 23, 2013 Especially since it's mechanical; not hydraulic like the belt tensioner. Not much there to fail. The belt tensioner isn't hydraulic. It's merely filled with oil for lubrication. There's a spring-and-screw mechanism inside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galaxie500XL Posted November 23, 2013 Report Share Posted November 23, 2013 I was under the impression the spring provided the tension, and the oil acted like a hydraulic jack, preventing the actuator from retracting easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schurkey Posted November 24, 2013 Report Share Posted November 24, 2013 I was under the impression the spring provided the tension, and the oil acted like a hydraulic jack, preventing the actuator from retracting easily. Nope. The actuator is easily retracted by turning the screw under the rubber cover. The oil is for lubrication of the guts inside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96 Pontiac gtp Posted March 22, 2021 Report Share Posted March 22, 2021 I know this post is old but I'm having a hard time finding the hydraulic tensioner for the timing belt (LQ1 3.4 dohc) Can anyone tell me were I can purchase one? It would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55trucker Posted March 22, 2021 Report Share Posted March 22, 2021 Welcome: 1st post? good question.......answer is the tensioner is not hydraulic, it is mechanical, and they are rare as hen's teeth now. You will have a somewhat difficult time finding a new one. But all is not lost, they generally don't wear out unless the internal spring fails, they can be reloaded after being removed from the engine so they can be reused again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96 Pontiac gtp Posted March 22, 2021 Report Share Posted March 22, 2021 Its for the belt not chain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55trucker Posted March 22, 2021 Report Share Posted March 22, 2021 Precisely, the tensioner is mechanical, not hydraulic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jiggity76 Posted March 22, 2021 Report Share Posted March 22, 2021 (edited) On 11/22/2013 at 2:31 PM, reddroptop said: The part that failed was the TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER! These are still available. Part #10110596. Hope this helps. Edited March 22, 2021 by jiggity76 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96 Pontiac gtp Posted March 23, 2021 Report Share Posted March 23, 2021 12 minutes ago, 55trucker said: Precisely, the tensioner is mechanical, not hydraulic Oh cause descripsion reads "Does not come with cam. tensioner hydraulic assembly" in all timing kits Gates Timing Belt Kit Click to Enlarge (Read reviews) Our List Price:$121.43 Quantity: (3) In Stock Part Number: 4724-05593233 Notes: PowerGrip Premium OE Timing Belt Component Kit -- Interference engine application; Does not include cam. tensioner Hydraulic assembly Condition: New Contents Belt, Tensioner, 2 Idlers Shipping Options: Ground This Part Fits: Catalog: B Vehicle Engine 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix 3.4L V6 GAS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
55trucker Posted March 23, 2021 Report Share Posted March 23, 2021 Well son, don't believe everything one reads with regards to a third party aftermarket ad, the tensioner is indeed mechanical. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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