I'm cleaning up a used engine. I mean resealing with new gaskets and seals and timing gears and chain and was going to replace the tensioner. NO ONE has a tensioner in stock and they are all a week out in shipping. So, What is the consensus here is this a critical part to be replace when replacing the chain and gears? Even the local Ford dealer parts guy said "Golly, never sold one of them before". Just tells me that they don't get replaced, just reused. bl2009

 

What motor?

 

It's a '97 f150 V6 4.2L. bl2009

 

Probably ok, timing chain issues are not a common issue on that engine. Google it, no real problems, but I find them for sale on line. I also see something about a gasket change in model year '98, so make sure your gasket set is the right year, or updated.

Good luck with it.