79 SC w/ 44,000 miles need chain tensioners yet?
 

subject says it all

am worried about waiting too long to put in the Carrera tensioners.

How much for parts?

How much for labor?

thank you

Never to early to make the conversion. Its been a long time since I priced this but maybe 375-400 for parts and the same for labor. Its worth the money just for the peace of mind.

Just get the stops and forget about the pressure fed tensioners. Do a search on tensioners and you'll see the discussion.

do pressure fed...if you have the $....compared to waiting do stops IMHO don't do nothing

I agree with Souk.

The last SC that I rebuilt had the stops installed on 930 tensioners and one tensioner had failed and hammered the stop into oblivion. It was smashed up so bad that it had broken one of the small bolts on the stop and I believe that it was nearly ready to fail itself. I never heard this motor run, but I would imagine that it would have made some noise. I prefer the carrera tensioners, but I guess if you use the stops and you are alert to any noise coming from the engine, they would be O.K.. But. While not just upgrade while you are in there and be done and sleep easy at night. Just my 2 cents..

Sleep easy at night?
I have heard of more "new" carrera tensioners failing than old style tensioners failing.

Okay, this is a bit confusing to me.

Newbee Question:
Is there a diagnostic or test that could tell strength (or something similiar) of the existing chains?

If it fails, I get the upgrade.

If it passes, I do nothing.

Since it looks like no matter where I get the kit (Pelican or others) plus labor, I'll be in for a grand ($1000 USD) for the upgrade that could go to baby's college fund...

Update, as it turns out, I already have the updated hydraulic tensioners. I was directed how to check for the T and oil lines, mine leak a bit -- but may just need some tightening up.