Porsche Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement

Is your Porsche engine noisy, running rough, and having excessive timing chain slack because of a weak timing chain tensioner? Learn how to fix the problem by replacing your Porsche’s timing chain. The timing chain tensioners may weaken, causing a rattle for about five seconds upon startup.

How to Replace Porsche Timing Chain Tensioner

Symptoms

• Engine rattle noise at startup
• Excessive timing chain slack
• Check the engine light on.
• Engine runs rough
• The engine won’t stay running.

Warning

• Record the timing marks before you start work.
• Replace one tensioner at a time.
• Verify timing marks before starting the engine.
• After you replace each tensioner, crank the engine by hand two full revolutions before you start it.

What you will need

Procedure

In this guide, we will review the instructions on changing the Porsche left lower timing chain tensioner with the engine in the car.

Pictures in this guide are from a Porsche Cayenne with a V8 engine, but the procedure should also help you change the tensioners on other Porsche models.

1. Park the Porsche on a level surface and allow the engine to cool down.

2. Jack up the vehicle and remove the lower engine covers. On top of the engine, remove the plastic trims and, if needed, the intake air hose to access the front of the engine.

3. Place a socket on the crankshaft pulley and rotate the crankshaft to bring it to TDC. Use the Porsche timing tool or an 8mm Allen wrench to lock the crank pulley to the block.

4. Lock the crankshaft (and, when required, the camshafts) in position. Locking the crankshaft prevents the timing chain from jumping when the tensioner is removed. We also recommend locking the camshaft. Remove the green cam seals on each cover to lock the camshaft.

5. Locate the tensioners. Porsches have up to three tensioners. The IMS chain tensioner and bank 4-6 tensioner can be replaced with the car’s engine. Accessing bank 1-3 tensioners may require removing accessories.

6. Use a 27mm socket and ratchet to loosen the tensioner. Note that the tensioner has many threads; removing it will take a lot of turning. Replace one tensioner at a time.

7. Prime the new tensioner. Soak the new tensioner in engine oil; pump it a few times to prime it while it is soaked in oil.

8. Install the new tensioner.

9. Replace the next tensioner.

10. Don’t start the engine yet. Remove the locking pins. Turn the engine by hand for two full revolutions to ensure no interference.

11. Next, check the timing marks are lining up correctly. This will allow you to make sure the timing didn’t jump.

Troubleshooting Using YOUCANIC Full System Scanner

The YOUCANIC Full System Scanner can read and clear fault codes from all the systems in your Porsche. If you have problems with your timing chain tensioner and your check engine light is on, you can use this powerful device to clear the codes after replacing the tensioner.

Always replace one tensioner at a time. Check your work by turning the engine by hand for two full revolutions.

Sometimes, a rattle noise is present when the vehicle is parked for several weeks or months. This is normal unless you experience engine noise on startup when the vehicle is parked overnight. A professional Porsche mechanic recommends diagnosing your car to confirm the tensioners are the culprit.

Another common problem on Porsche vehicles is the failing IMS bearing, which is often misdiagnosed as a bad timing chain tensioner.

We hope you find the Porsche Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Porsche.

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