dumb question re: timing belt tensioner pulley, in-out play?

[jp233]

OK, so the threads for the timing belt tensioner pulley bolt hole got destroyed pretty much (just imagine why), and I ended up having to heli-coil the hole so I could get the bolt to torque up to 30 ft-lbs.

For some reason, the original bushing (that had that grade 8 look to it) wouldn't fit the new pulley hole (it would go in, but was very tight), so for now I've used the crappy-looking bushing that came with the kit (PCI timing belt kit). I did re-use the original grade-8 looking bolt.

Side by side, the bushings looked identical as far as dimensions go, as did the bolt. I just wanted to use better parts than what looked like soft-chinese-steel..... but I had to use the bushing since the other one was really tight.

Anyways, now that it's all back together and torqued up I have a little front-to-back play in the pulley... and I'm assuming that is not good. True statement? Should I either put the old tensioner pulley back in, or get a new one?

[Legacy777]

That piece that the timing belt tensioner bolts into can be replaced. It's not part of the block. You can kind of see that in this pic.

http://main.experiencetherave.com/subar ... P_4281.JPG

As for the bushing not fitting in there, it's probable that what you bought was reverse engineered and manufactured. Or the manufacturing tolerances are off. You could try sanding the bushing a little bit so it's not tight.

How much play do you have. You really shouldn't have much, maybe 1/16" at the most.

[jp233]

Yep, I'm an idiot. I didn't remember that piece was separate from the block, and had to be removed to get at that piston pin access hole. We were in a hurry and just fixated in repairing the threads. A $55 heli-coil kit later.... I'm officially stupid.

I have about 1/16" play, it's not terrible I just figured it should be basically nil.

[Legacy777]

I don't recall what kind of play mine has if any. Maybe someone with an engine that's apart can check.