Releasing Chain Tension?

[savedbyzero]

Got a quick, but I'm sure a basic question here. I have reason to believe that after a current rebuild, the shop tightened down the timing chain a little too tight, as I have whirring/whining sound while accelerating. I've narrowed it down to this or the alternator.

What is the procedure to releasing the tension on the timing chain tensioner a few clicks?

Thanks guys!

[GSBoek]

Easiest way to do it is taking it out completely, cuz it has a non-return rachet that needs to be pried back so you can push it back in.

[savedbyzero]

Easiest way to do it is taking it out completely, cuz it has a non-return rachet that needs to be pried back so you can push it back in.

And what is the procedure for doing this? Is this very timing consuming?

Would someone mind writing a little step-by-step instructions?

[Smaay]

you can not make it too tight. leave it alone, its something else

[GSBoek]

I'll have to differ with you on that Smaay, you can in fact make it too tight, certainly not under normal circumstances though, but it is possible. I know cuz it happened with me a little before my rebuild.
Was investigating the loud rattle at coldstartup and thought to tighten the chain some more. Used a large screw driver and tightened the chain until it was physically impossible to tighten any more. When I started the car again the engine started whining immediately around the timing chain area. The end result of that adventure was that the chain was so tight it weighed down on both cams and caused scoring of the no. 1 journals and bearings/caps. Based on that experience I do believe the chain can be tightened too much.

[savedbyzero]

So is there a way to loosen it without much trouble?

I'm guessing it could also be the belt/ and or belt tensioner or alternator. All 3 are almost 6 yrs. old with 100,000 miles on them. The battery has been drained by my own fault over 4 times in the past 2 yrs and has been weak to start when cold out. I'm also gonna swap out tranny lube, which is do for a changing.

Thoughts?

[GSBoek]

If you want to now if the whining is coming from the belt/tensioner or alternator it's easy: Take off the belt and start it up briefly without it. If the whining is gone you know it's related to the accesories.