Cloyes 9-5978 Engine Timing Chain Tensioner

Brand	Cloyes 9-5978
Tensioner Type	Spring and guide
Housing Material	Metal
Adjustable	No
Mounting Bracket Included	Yes
Activation Type	Activation pin
Bolts Included	No
Color	White
Gasket Or Seal Included	No
Hardware Included	No
Material	Metal and nylon
Mounting Hole Diameter (uom:in)	0.386
Mounting Hole Diameter (uom:mm)	9.8044
Mounting Hole Quantity	2
Shoe Included	Yes
Product line	Timing Chain Tensioner
Fits	Chevrolet and GMC · 32 vehicles

Spring-and-guide design. Keeps timing chain tension steady for smoother engine operation.

Metal and nylon build. Combines strength and low-friction guidance in one tensioner.

Activation pin included. Helps simplify setup during timing system service.

Cross-references 95978 and 12686368 for the same application. See all 2.

$30.91Free shipping

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Cloyes Timing Chain Tensioner 9-5978

The Cloyes 9-5978 timing chain tensioner is built for engine timing service where consistent chain control matters. It is a spring-and-guide style tensioner with a metal housing, metal and nylon construction, and an included mounting bracket for a direct repair-focused replacement.

Compatible With 2014-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express 2500, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express 3500, 2014-2021 GMC Sierra 1500, 2018-2021 GMC Savana 2500, and 2018-2021 GMC Savana 3500. This part number, 9-5978, is also referenced as 95978 and 12686368 for the same application.

Key Features

Spring and guide tensioner design for timing chain control
Metal housing with metal and nylon construction
Activation pin style for service installation
Mounting bracket included
Shoe included for the tensioning surface
Two mounting holes with 0.386 in. diameter
Non-adjustable design

Product Details

Cloyes timing systems have been a core focus since 1921, and the Timing Chain Tensioner line is built around maintaining proper chain tension during engine operation. This engine timing chain tensioner uses spring tension and a guide-style shoe to help keep the chain properly loaded, supporting stable valve timing in service applications. The white finish, metal housing, and nylon contact components reflect a practical OE-style service part construction. For timing system integrity, Cloyes recommends replacing the chain along with the tensioners, guides, and sprockets during service. The 9-5978 is a direct-fit timing chain tensioner for select Chevrolet and GMC trucks and vans, including Silverado 1500 and Sierra 1500 applications.

Common Problems This Part Addresses

Timing chain slack that can affect engine timing stability
Noise from a worn or weak chain tensioner
Uneven chain loading caused by a damaged guide surface
Timing service repairs that require a replacement tensioner assembly
Wear-related issues in high-mileage Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 engines

Installation Notes

Use the activation pin during installation and verify the tensioner seats correctly against the chain guide. Inspect the timing chain, guides, and sprockets before reassembly, and replace worn components together to maintain timing system integrity. Confirm vehicle application by year, make, and model before installation on Chevrolet Express 2500, Chevrolet Express 3500, GMC Savana 2500, and GMC Savana 3500 service vehicles.

Quality Assurance

Cloyes has supplied timing system components for over a century and backs its products with industry-leading technical support. The 9-5978 timing chain tensioner is engineered for professional engine service and supported by Cloyes brand expertise in timing components.

This part fits 32 vehicles

Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN if unsure. Submodel & trim restrictions may apply.

Year	Make	Model	Liters	Cylinders	Position	Notes
2021	Chevrolet	Express 2500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2021	Chevrolet	Express 3500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2021	Chevrolet	Silverado 1500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2021	GMC	Savana 2500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2021	GMC	Savana 3500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2021	GMC	Sierra 1500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2020	Chevrolet	Express 2500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2020	Chevrolet	Express 3500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2020	Chevrolet	Silverado 1500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2020	GMC	Savana 2500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2020	GMC	Savana 3500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2020	GMC	Sierra 1500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2019	Chevrolet	Express 2500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2019	Chevrolet	Express 3500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2019	Chevrolet	Silverado 1500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2019	GMC	Savana 2500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2019	GMC	Savana 3500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2019	GMC	Sierra 1500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2018	Chevrolet	Express 2500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2018	Chevrolet	Express 3500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2018	Chevrolet	Silverado 1500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2018	GMC	Savana 2500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2018	GMC	Savana 3500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2018	GMC	Sierra 1500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2017	Chevrolet	Silverado 1500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2017	GMC	Sierra 1500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2016	Chevrolet	Silverado 1500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2016	GMC	Sierra 1500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2015	Chevrolet	Silverado 1500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2015	GMC	Sierra 1500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2014	Chevrolet	Silverado 1500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
2014	GMC	Sierra 1500	4.3L	V6	N/A	Timing Chain Tensioner
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Directly replaces or cross-references 2 part numbers

Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.

9597812686368