Hey Scotty & community, I have a 2005 Mazda MPV, automatic 3 liter V6 (Ford Duratec 30) with 200,000 miles.
I'm replacing my timing cover gaskets, so while I'm in there I'm planning to replace the timing chain tensioners as preventative maintenance.
I found a user manual online which says to torque them to 18 foot pounds, but no mention of thread locker.
When I reinstall the bolts holding them in, should I put thread locker on the bolts or not?
If the manual says so, then I guess it doesn't need it.
It is a vibration prone area though. You can put threadlock on if it makes you feel better. It won't hurt anything, except make it a bit harder to remove next time.
Use the blue, not the red.
Is loctite 243 good?
Yes, the blue, medium loctite.
Honestly, no clue. Do it at your own risk - but I’d put thread locker.
My rational:
I remember that in the few first years of Hyundai-Kia 6 speed transmission, the bolts holding a sort composite planetary didn’t have thread-locker causing them to unbolt and begin to rattle.
The solution they did at the factory was to add thread-locker.
So I guess it can do no harm in such an environment.
Additionally, I guess a timing chain tensioner/guide is subject to similar vibration and stress so thread-locker probably can’t hurt anything much…
