Hey guys,

I am installing my 3mm headgasket and I just go to the point where I am re-installing the timing chain tensioner. Even before the TCT is seated there is resistance from the guide and I can see it though the access hole. Is this normal, should I force the TCT in and bolt it up?

Also I followed the honda manual for torquing the head studs (OEM), does anyone have a value I can set my torque wrench too to check if they are sufficiently tight? The 90 degree business leaves me uneasy. Thanks!
Neema

 

If you used proper assembly lube the 90 degrees method will be fine. I have no idea what torque setting that is equivalent to.

As for the chain, it is tight isn't it. Had me worried but I assembled as per the manual and have had no problems.

 

If you look in the forced induction faq you'll see theres a thread talking about this. They mention clocking the cam sprockets let me get you the link.

 

Turbo FAQ
Here's the link

 

Yes I did the cam sprockets, I was wondering about the tension on the chain which seems excessive. I read that it would be tight, but I did not think it would be THAT tight.

 

did you fully compress the TCT before reinstalling it?

 

It's tight before you even install the TCT.

 

Yep that is what I experienced, I did compress the TCT first. Thanks for the reassurance to push in the tensioner into the head lol...

 

I bought the 3mm Cometic, and couldn't install it. It was so tight that I knew it would just rip the timing chain, destroying the engine.

So I call the guys who sold it to me through Ebay, and guess what they say: Go ahead and have a machine shop shave the head down. !!! that defeats the point of raising the head above the deck!

Long story short, it almost came to a lawsuit, and finally they took the 3mm back and gave me a 2mm. Now I got the 2mm and it's fine.

I wouldn't risk 3mm on my ride, it was that tight. I know a lot of ppl running 3mm by InlinePro, maybe it's a hair thinner, but Cometic one... I didn't risk it.

 

...inlinepro 3mm headgasket is made by cometic, you guys must have installed in wrong or something, mine went No problem.