Should I clean the tensioner or not?

IgorMarkovic

I notice I've still the old z22se tensioner (if I'm right: see bottom pic). I know it would be best to replace it with a new tensioner but currently can't mis the money so I'm now wondering if it would be a good idea to remove the old one and clean it? Or shouldn't I touch the tensioner as I don't really hear the chain rattling.

What should I use if I decide to clean it? Just break cleaner? I heard someone say that his tensioner didn't come out in one peace. How big is the chance that this will happen (so I need to open the engine)?

evocarlos

as they say if it aint broke dont fix it 🙂
plan to change the 2 chain kits in the future where you will get the newer style chain tensioner and all the chain parts 🙂

IgorMarkovic

evocarlos said:
as they say if it aint broke dont fix it 🙂

That was exactly my thought, but the thing is that I still have some issues that could be related to a bad tensioner I think:
https://z22se.co.uk/threads/car-behavior-when-releasing-pressing-the-gass-pedal-while-driving.26433

I thought that maybe slack in the chain could cause the problem that I describe in that other thread. So I was thinking that maybe the problem will be resolved by cleaning the tensioner.

evocarlos

if the tensioner is bad it will tell you by clicking at startup when cold and the chain would be noisy all the time that would also indicate the chain is long (stretched)

if the car has a jump at 2500 to 3000rpm then i think thats normal for a standard z22se mine had it when it was new and only went away after fitting a k&n panel filter in a deserted air box and a cat back 2 1/4" stainless exhaust system

IgorMarkovic

The chain is definitely not noisy so I don't think it's stretched and so probably the tensioner is still doing it's job as it should.

evocarlos said:
if the car has a jump at 2500 to 3000rpm then i think thats normal for a standard z22se mine had it when it was new and only went away after fitting a k&n panel filter in a deserted air box and a cat back 2 1/4" stainless exhaust system

It also jumps at lower rmp and the jump can be quite hard when driving fi in 2nd gear. So maybe something with my clutch? When I start the engine and keep the clutch pedal up I can hear a sort of rattle from the gearbox (not really loud) and when I press the clutch pedal then the rattle will disappear. So after some googling I think it's the CSC not pressing hard enough on the clutch cover plate. So could that cause this behavior?