Carpokes Porsche Forum

Have there been any further developments on the 3D printed tensioning tool for 16v engines? Just came across this and was excited to try it out until I realized it only works on 8v.

I have never used nor needed a tensioning tool because the S2 has an auto tensioner. Some people may not trust it but I haven't had any issues over the 10 or more times I have removed and reinstalled the timing belt over the last 6 years of ownership.

A good recommendation is to remove and inspect the spring and that the gear turns freely with no bearing noise/roughness (as with all the timing gears and pulleys). Potentially clean it up with some brake cleaner and wd-40. Actuate the tensioner when its installed and ensure it moves freely, the spring provides good tension, and doesnt get caught anywhere in its range of motion on the anchor bolts (used to fully disengage the tensioner during timing belt installation).

Even if you have a tool to check tension, there is no adjustment on the auto tensioner (unless you somehow convert to a manual), so feels somewhat pointless anyways. And remember that the engine should be turned over by hand a few rotations to ensure the tensioner fully engages (and engine is correctly timed) before starting the car or verifying belt tension.