[Chain tensioning on the 4-cylinder cars should be done every 12,000 - 15,000 miles and should NOT be done with the engine idling—a method described in many Owner’s Manuals. Ed.]
1. Remove the cam cover.
2. Put the car in gear and engage the parking brake.
3. Using a cam rotation tool [the club has one of these for loan. Ed.], rotate the exhaust cam backwards (towards intake cam). This takes up the tension on the long run from the idler sprocket to the exhaust cam.
4. Using the same tool, rotate the intake cam backwards (towards intake cam). This takes up the tension on the run between the two cams, and moves all the slack to the run that goes over the tensioner.
5. While holding tension on the intake cam, loosen the tensioner securing bolt with a 14mm wrench. The tensioner should make a “BOING” as it eagerly jumps out to take up the slack. If it doesn’t, “encourage” it. It usually only takes 1/2 turn on the bolt, and needs no encouragement. Do not unscrew the bolt more than one or two turns.
6. Tighten the securing bolt.
7. Release parking brake and put the transmission in neutral.
8. Rotate engine and check tension by pressing on the run between the two cams. Now is a good time to check the cam timing as well. If the chain has stretched, the timing marks will be off.
9. Replace the cam cover.