Hi guys. Im trying to do the water pump job on an 03 sedan. I have it all torn down to the point of relaxing the timing chain tensioner. How do you release the pawl, and get the plunger to go in?? My tensioner has a small lever that is extremely stiff to pivot down. When I do get it to move a little bit, it actually makes the plunger move OUT another click. It does not seem to be able to move up. So,, How do I make it slack? I need to get this done ASAP! Thanks for your help.

 

 

Ignore how it looks like they're working through an access window in the timing cover, the rev-up motor doesn't require the timing chain cover to be removed. When you go to install it is when you use that little lever and the stopper pin to hold the plunger in.

 

Thanks again for the great info. I was reaching the conclusion that it would be easier to remove the tensioner and then worry about compressing it. Hopefully, today is the day.