Carrera Tensioners
 

I am in the process of rebuilding my 1983 911 SC engine to replace 2 broken head studs. I have been making pretty good headway. I just finished removing the studs from the case (wow....it required a fair bit of heat and some hard work). Got the heads back from the machine shop (new valves, guides, seals, springs, keepers, and exhaust studs) and am now in waitin mode, as I found 2 pitted lobes on one of the camshafts so I am having them reconditioned, along with the rockers.

Anyway....I realized the other day, that I still have the pins in the hydraulic tensioners from when I compressed and removed them. It just occured to me, that I have had them in the compressed position for about 4 weeks now. Does this weaken the internal spring?? I looked at photos I took before removing them, and they look like they are fairly well compressed when in the engine but, never having opened them or seen a cross section, I don't know how far the springs are compressed....Not sure if this means that I should replace spring before putting them back int he engine. Anyone know for sure?

Any information or advise is most appreciated.
Rick

Rick,
If you are concerned, carefully release the tensioner pins, while holding in a vise. Store released until you are ready. Ala Haynes, reverse the procedure for re-assembly.
Have fun,

Hello, Rick.

No worry at all.

Contrary to common belief, springs do not weaken in general..if very highly stressed they may creep..but any such permanent set may usually be taken as a warning of fatigue failure.

Kind regards
David

Doug and David,
THanks for the sanity check. So as I understand, keeping the springs compressed like this would not decrease their resistance. Overstressing a spring, though, would result in creep of the spring which would show up when the tensioner is released. It would not fully extend.

I was speaking with another pelican contributor off line and he indicated the same as you all and that when the carrera tensioners are shipped, they are already compressed.
Rick