I remember somebody posted a link where to get a cheaper hydraulic tensioner, it was an ebay link. I checked ebay and its not there anymore and I can't find that post anymore. NE1 know where I can get it?

I remember it was like 60 bux half of what it costs from the dealer.

Ebay seller ID was "go4rh". Ebay store was "Rick's Engine Parts". He still lists timing belt kits for the 420A but does not include the tensioner. Have you contacted them to see what's up?


http://search.stores.ebay.com/Ricks-Engine-Parts_eclipse-420a_W0QQfciZQ2d1QQfclZ4QQfsnZRickQ27sQ20EngineQ20PartsQQfsooZ2QQfsopZ2QQftsZ2QQsaselZ54821145QQsofpZ0

oh wow thanx but I was reading on the partsdinosaur website that apparently mitsubishi and chrysler have some kind of monopoly on these tensioners so apparently they were sold for cheap for a while but mitsu and chrysler are being a bunch of douche bags and won't let anyone sell it for less than dealer prices :(

"If your system has the hydraulic tensioner, Chrysler and Mitsubishi dealers have "captured" the hydraulic tensioner adjuster and do not allow it to be sold on the aftermarket by the OE supplier. SO, if you would like to replace the hydraulic tensioner system with a mechanical spring tensioner system because of the outrageous price the guy at the OE parts counter just quoted you, consider this conversion kit as it will certainly save you some of your hard-earned bucks !"

Originally posted by HadesOmega
oh wow thanx but I was reading on the partsdinosaur website that apparently mitsubishi and chrysler have some kind of monopoly on these tensioners so apparently they were sold for cheap for a while but mitsu and chrysler are being a bunch of douche bags and won't let anyone sell it for less than dealer prices.

Well I don't blame the manufacturer for trying to keep it to themselves. If you paid a supplier to make specific parts for your car, would you be happy to find out they were selling them on the side for half price and cutting you out of any profit? And this is after you paid to get the parts through R & D?

Until a different company sees enough profit potential in copying the hydraulic tensioner, you are stuck with either paying the price or going the mechanical tensioner route.

Edit:

Here are the choices.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/T-Belt-Tensioner-Adjuster-NEON-Eclipse-420A-DOHC_W0QQitemZ230029773589QQcmdZViewItem

http://www.store.partsdinosaur.com/product1310.html

holy smokes a tensioner goes for $175 now???? that's just awesome. I'm going to get a mechanical tensioner now just for the principle of the thing.

rockauto is the one who has them for 50 or 60, and so far, its holdin up fine and dandy, altho i havent checked timing in a couple weeks or so, but its been on for a few months, so im sure its good

Just thought I would post this link because we are looking at the possibility of using the mechanical tensioner.

http://forums.2gnt.com/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=5&topic_id=100288&mode=full

I haven't developed an opinion pro or con yet but I thought the info should be brought up.

MB

Well I checked with the guys at rockauto.com and they have 40 of the Beck/Arnley hydraulic tensioners in stock. Looks identical in the pics and the guy I talked to owned a couple of 420A motors and said these were the correct part. Rock Auto # 0241227 $46

As for the mechanical tensioners, I have no doubt they work fine. I have several installed and they must be in a 100,000+ other OEM cars by now as I see them commonly in Neons, Sebrings, etc. in 2000+ model years. I have observed that you CAN accidently over-twist the torsion spring when you install them so you must pay attention when you set the tension. Also, the mechanical tensioner requires a minor modification to the plastic rear timing cover so that the tensioner bracket feet will sit flush to the block.

Like I have said before, if you have any doubts about the mechanical tensioner then get a hydraulic unit. If you don't trust the Beck/Arnley hydraulic from rockauto then go get an OEM dealer one if that gives you peace of mind.

^^^ Nice! Good info dave. I may just get a couple for stock :thumbsup

MB

if you are still needing one i have one sitting in my garage ill even put the grenade pin back in for you


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