cam chain tensioner oil leak

[Owd git]

So, I have oil drips under my car and the mechanic who serviced it says it's coming from the cam chain tensioner.

I've done a bit of googling and it seems that it's a fairly common issue with the THP engine in DS3s, minis etc.

Can anyone tell me how difficult it is to replace it? On the one hand I'm told that providing you remove enough parts around it for access, and have the right tools, then it's fairly simple to do.

On the other hand I've been told that it's necessary to use the camshaft locking tool to ensure that the timing doesn't get upset when the tensioner is removed. Is that right? How could the timing be upset by temporarily moving the tensioner?

Thanks for any help

[Owd git]

Just to draw a line under this the oil leak was the only issue - no excessive chain rattle etc. so I've gone with the advice of a local mobile mechanic who's seen this before, and just had him re-tighten the tensioner into the engine block - it took about a quarter of a turn and the leak has stopped.

I'm told that once the tensioner has loosened it can back out of the block sufficiently to allow the engine oil to be pumped out, with very expensive results.

If you have drips under your car my advice is to get it checked out!

[Funky]

Glad it's fixed Owd git and thanks for sharing the fix that worked for you.

[Ohmygoditsme]

Thanks for the update... as above I’m glad it’s fixed too!

[Leader400]

Unfortunately, the tensioner on our DS3 THP has had a catastrophic oil dump on the motorway, my wife stopped the instant the stop light came on, but awaiting full report from the dealer, the occasional top-up upto that point, was put down to the engine using a touch of oil. What was sickening was the fact that I had checked the oil the night before. As said before …..do not ignore oil drips.

[Leader400]

Got a pleasant surprise from Perrys of Blackburn who have had the wifes DS3 in for the catastrophic oil dump. Its fixed. New "tensioner seal" more importantly no damage to engine. Best news was that they didn't charge me. Happy days.