ATX Timing Belt tensioner

[colocat94]

Ok, I have searched numerous threads and looked at the MTX sticky and I'm still not sure if there is an aftermarket supplier for the timing belt tensioner on the ATX. I did search part numbers supplied in the MTX stick (referencing the ATX part -- F3DZ6L266A) on directfordparts.com and got this:
F3DZ6L266A $158.43 $0.00 $112.46
TENSIONER-TIMING CHA
I'm not sure this is for the belt, but is for the chains on the other end of the heads. Any thoughts or help???? My 94 is making that belt flapping noise between 17K - 20K. Drives me nuts.

Please advise.

Bryan

 

[Slo-Sho]

I'd take a long screwdriver and try to pinpoint the noise before spending any $, IMO.

 

[colocat94]

I'd take a long screwdriver and try to pinpoint the noise before spending any $, IMO.

I'll do that, but I'm pretty confident that timing belt slack is the problem. I'm just trying to determine where I can get a replacement if/when I confirm the problem.

Bryan

 

[colocat94]

Took apart the front and it is definitely the tensioner. When I did the 60K about 20K ago, I had to compress it with a c-clamp. After I removed it from the front of the block, I can push it in 1/4 inch with my thumb. The top of the timing belt was flapping all over when I removed the top cover. Now I need to find a replacement.... help..........

Bryan

 

[gurucomputers]

I had one fail on my ATX about a year ago and I was able to find them through Ford Performance Specialists. Give them a call. (770) 949-7191

If I recall it was around $200.00 shipped. Yes that is spendy but I like to do things right the first time.

Ford Performance Specialist

 

[SuperchargedSHOguy]

I believe Ford discontinued them and when they were available my cost was $180. If FPS has them then this is your best bet. You were right, the tensioner is shot if it is able to flop back and forth. It should be making a light tapping noise as well at like sub 2500 rpms.

 

[robs93sho]

Hey colocat94, were you able to find the tensionor? I have a buddy that has the exact same problem with his 93 ATX SHO. I'm his mechanic and I replaced the timing belt for him and even got the special tool to adjust the 4.3 inch pounds on the pully and it still rattles at about 1500 RPM. I figure the only thing it can be is the tensionor.

 

[mclarida]

Try here:
http://www.fordspecialists.com/
They had brand new ones for about $150 a year ago...not used-new Ford pieces. They are discontinued but he had found a bunch. Call them-they are great. I went thru 3 used ones. They all fail. That is why new is the only way.

 

[hawkeye18]

I wonder why they fail? Is there any way to repair them?

 

[whiteguy3]

I have two of them. One of them off is off of a low mileage ATX. I have one that is virtually brand new that i got from somebody a while ago here on the forum. Let me know if you want one. I would be willing to let them go. I know for a fact they both work %100 because i tried them both on my 3.2 when i did the swap. They both hold their pressure.

I did the same thing and finally found someone here that had one that was new. I was quoted almost $250 from ford new a while ago.