I read a lot of arguing about the procedure for installing the new style timing chain tensioner.

I took one apart.

Yes it is spring loaded. The spring is loaded compressed just like the old style, the end looks almost the same it's just inside instead of outside.

You will still need to compress it with a stick to get the spring released.

Yes there is an oil hole and it will fill with oil pressure but there is no piston seal for it to push against, the oil will only lubricate, it won't provide any appreciable tension.

Pictures



One snap ring holds the piston in. The washer under the snap ring has an oring on the outside of it but not the inside,so oil will leak through lubricating the piston.


Here is the piston with the spring loaded


Here it is with the spring released

 

oil pressure does provide tension the chain the o ringed is where oil pressure puts tension on the tensioner to keep the chain tight