I am planning to do valve stem seals but without removing the heads. This will involve removing the cam’s and timing belt and I was wondering if I have to replace the hydraulic tensioner, tensioner bearing and idler bearing. I WILL NOT BE REPLACING THE BELT (unless it looks really bad). This is already a job that has expanded way more than I expected, and I simply can not be bothered or want to as I will be pulling the engine in the winter and doing everything then.
If so, anyone has a recombined brand, or is OEM the only option.
Mitsubishi recommends replacement but I have re-used them many times without any problems. The secret to re-use is patience. You need to put it in a vice and wind it in until you feel pressure then stop. Wait 30 seconds and the tension will ease. Then you can wind a little more until there is pressure again and stop. Repeat this cycle as many times as is needed until the hole lines up for the retaining pin. Put the pin in and then take the tensioner out of the vice. Do not be tempted to do things too quickly or the tensioner will burst.