manual say's to check for amount of travel in Auto Tensioner and if more than .040 thousandths, it's bad. any one have a easier way to check it? Manual says to -
(apply 22-44 lb force to pushrod by pressing it against a metal object and measure the movement of the push-rod. if outside the standard value , replace it. ) standard value being .040

 

Anytime the timing cover comes off to get to either the water pump or replacing the timing belt. Replace the tensioner.