I have a leak coming from the timing chain tensioner plug. I have had recommendations from placing a copper seal in there to replacing the tensioner. Not having done this before, if I remove the plug cap, will I screw up anything on the tensioner itself? Secondly, any suggestions on the sealing of this leak?

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Eric
'88 300E
'00 Expedition
'86 Alfa Romeo Spider
'84 Harley Davidson FLH"X"
Special Edition
'70 FJ40 Land Cruiser (basket case)

This isn't a very common leak. I would suggest trying to tighten the cap first. If it seems tight enough, the seal is actually aluminum, not copper. When you remove the cap, there will be a strong spring that will release tension, be careful and you won't have a problem, it will be equally challenging to reinstall the cap though. The spring is important to hold pre-tension on the chain tensioner on start-up, before oil pressure is built up. The end of the tightener has a one-way mechanism, in case the oil pressure is lost to the tensioner or the pre-tension spring breaks, so because of this one-way action, you don't need to worry about taking the cap off too much, it should be just fine.
Gilly

Thanks for the info! I will try tightening the plug first. Should that not help, any ideas where I can buy the aluminum seal for the cap?

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Eric
'88 300E
'00 Expedition
'86 Alfa Romeo Spider
'84 Harley Davidson FLH"X"
Special Edition
'70 FJ40 Land Cruiser (basket case)

Shouldn't cost much at a dealer even, if there isn't one near you I suppose Fastlane should have one.
Gilly