Gonna have to follow your posts. Would like to know the construction of the Gates vs the INA.
I inspected my new backup OEM INA with numbers F-569897.07 on the metal part and F8435-14 on rubber cover. The rubber cover can be removed easily. In fact, if you pinch the edges of the top or bottom part you can make some oil spill out. It is on snug vs really tight.
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I opened it and observed transparent very thin oil like baby oil or mineral oil. Odorless. The oil only fills up no more than 1/3rd of the chamber. No higher than the INA stamped logo. I used a thick dull flathead screwdriver to help carefully replace the rubber part back.
I think I could just refill with oil if under certain conditions. I went back to this
Tensioner discussion starting post #18. Here's my insight:
- I agree with the guy that the oil is more for lubricating the spring inside. I'm no expert but I'm 99% sure its not for dampening.
- Oil in there simply swishes around. Only covers the lower porting of the internal spring.
- The rubber seal is not tight at all...its snug. Air and oil can easily escape.....and if that happens then dirt can easily make its way inside possibly causing friction and messing with the tension specs.
- How the heck does a non-air tight seal dampen? The spring pressure was the same as with the rubber top off.
- dude had a 2012 model where he changed the belts and put more oil in his tensioner. He probably did not know how much oil to add. Perhaps added too much, too little?
- dude used hydraulic oil. Its not under high pressure and heat so I guess it works?
- dude did end up changing his tensioner BUT reported the spring part was intact and in good condition......it was the other components of the tensioner that failed. Not the part that has oil in it. Since he changed his belts (high mileage engine) it meant the tensioner's other component failed and made noise. If said components were still good he could've kept it imho.
- seepage seems normal, don't fret....too much at least.
- Try not to let dirt/grease build up around rubber seals.
- if in doubt, replace it