Timing belt tensioner
 

Can anyone give me a detailed explanation of how a timing belt tensioner works. I get the basics of it but want a little more understanding as to exactly how it works as I plan on doing my headgasket/arp headstud swap today. What I know is you pull off the rubber grommet to reveal the belt tensioner bolt, loosen it, then release tension my using a screwdriver to pry loose. After that does the tension remain slack or do I have to tighten the bolt after to keep it loose? Also when adding tension does the spring which is connected to the tensioner do all of the work or how is this tension achieved? Thanks, here are a couple of pics of the tensioner for a d16z6 which is the motor I will be working on.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...h/DSCF5041.jpg

the tensioner pretty much does all of the work. Just make sure to tighten the tensioner to the specified ft/lbs (40 ft/lbs i believe).
What i like to do is get the timing belt on, then tighten the tensioner a bit, then rotate the oil pump gear (or crankshaft) 3 teeth and then torque the tensioner to spec. Then rotate the engine a few times making sure the tension is good and that there isn't too much slack on the belt.
Make sure to use LOTS of the ARP moly lube when installing the headstuds.

what i do is pry the tensioner back, lock the bolt so it is now untensioned. I then put my belt on, loosen the bolt then pry up with a screwdriver or pry bar to re-tension. You can also use zeemans method. This is how ive learned to do timing belts and I have done many over the years this way.