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What is the Purpose of the Additional Gasket on the Chain Tensioner in the Opel 1.6 CDTi Engine?

Model: Vauxhall Opel Various
Part: Timing belt

Video tutorial

The additional gasket for the Opel CDTi 1.6 (8B16DTH, A16DTR) engine is not just an extra part, but serves a specific function, and its use depends on the wear state of the chain tensioner system. The tensioner on these engines is a hydraulic tensioner with a fixed stroke that operates on engine oil, pushing a pad against the chain to keep it taut.

Over time, the teeth of the sprockets and the guide shoe of the chain wear down; consequently, the chain stretches, and the piston of the hydraulic tensioner extends more than expected. However, this has a "maximum stroke", and when wear is excessive, the piston can no longer keep the chain taut, which can lead to catastrophic damage to the timing system.

The gasket is inserted between the body of the tensioner and its housing in the engine block, allowing for more usable stroke (up to 2 mm). It is used when replacing the chain but not the engine block. It is certainly part of quality kits such as Febi Bilstein, Gates, and Ina.


Posted on 25 July 2026 by ScegliAuto


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