My chiltons manual says I have to loosen the rocker shafts to achieve the correct tension on the timing belt when intalling it. I was just wondering, is this a must? If so, is it possible to take the driver side valve cover off without removing the intake plenum?

 

the nissan shop manual also says to loosen rocker shaft bolts to be able to adjust tension correctly on timing belt. yes you should be able to get valve covers off with out removing intake plenum, but you will have to remove everything from the air filter up to the throttle body, in order to get the bottom belt cover off you will have to remove the crankshaft pulley. good luck.

 

All of that is already finished. I had to replace the oil pump. I was going to put the timing belt back on tommorrow and was just wondering before I did so.
Thanks for the info.

 

Is the timing belt tensioner self adjusting?

 

No.

No. In fact, I don't even keep the spring. It's worthless. I would suggest a new tensioner stud.