We have recieved a number of emails from readers using the HOW TO REPLACE A HEAD GASKET ON AN E SERIES FALCON tutorial regarding the correct procedure for releasing the timing chain tensioner and up until now I have been unable to get my hands on a Falcon to document the steps.
Thankfully Shayne, an AU owner having dramas with an over-tensioned chain sent through a couple of pics and has allowed us to use them for this post.
As we now know the tensioner used from the EA right up until the AU is the exact same unit and these steps will apply across the board.
Pictured below is the external view of the tensioner. The correct method for releasing it is to remove the centre ‘plug’ while holding the outside ‘body’ of the tensioner. Obviously there is a dedicated tool for holding the body as seen by the two holes but if you can get your hands on a set of multi-grips or vice-grips you should be able to achieve the right result.
Once the ‘plug’ is removed there will be a small filter screen that has to be removed (see image below). On a number of occasions over the years I have noticed this filter has been left out from previous jobs so don’t be too worried if it is missing from your engine. They were available from Ford back when I was on the tools – three a bit years ago now – and were less than ten dollars from memory.
The next step we need to take is to release the tension on the chain by inserting a 3mm Allen Key into the tensioner and turning it clockwise. As you can see from Shayne’s photo there is a plate immediately after the tensioner ‘cam’ that has the slot for the Allen Key. Once this turned as far as it will go in the clockwise direction the tensioner should lock in the retracted position.
Once you’re on the home stretch and everything is back together it is simply a matter of turning the Allen Key in the anti-clockwise direction to unlock the tensioner and the oil pressure feed to the tensioner will push the chain guide out to where it needs to be once the engine is fired up and oil pressure reaches the tensioner. Refit the filter screen and plug, fit the power steering brackets and pump etc, etc and you’re good to go.
If you don’t have access to a 3mm Allen Key you can get away with loosening the ‘body’ of the tensioner enough so that the chain guide release the tension on the chain HOWEVER as you can see the tensioner is made up of many small parts and care needs to be taken not to loose any of these into the sump. At the very least you need to apply a small amount of ‘outward’ pressure to the chain guide as you do this to avoid the tensoner coming apart and complete removal and placement of the tensioner in a safe place out of harms way is suggested if you decide on this method. BE CAREFUL!!
A big Thank You goes out to Shayne for the use of these images. Cheers!
2 Users Responded in " Falcon Timing Chain Tensioner "
Re differences in El/AU heads during the transition period. The later (AU)type head is easily identified by the conical shaped valve springs (also called beehive) They also have changed the valve stem size from the old 11/32″ to 7 mm. Hopes this helps someone.
Good on ya! Thanks for sharing that info.
Regards,
Craig
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