Who makes this mechanical tensioner conversion?

89turbocabmike · 06-27-2006, 05:35 PM

I'm stripping down a 2.7 and found these hydraulic tensioners that had been converted to mechanical with a simple aluminum insert(pressed in) and nut/bolt. Wondering who converted/sold these conversions. Thanks

Henry Schmidt · Henry Schmidt's Garage

Many companies have made these tensioners for 30+ years. We make a version of this and use it in most of our race engine.
The first mechanic that I remember using this conversion was Walt Adriance. Walt's Porsche .
They can't fail. The big problem is that very few people can adjust them properly.
It takes a feel and you can't learn feel from a book.
Those people who say these cause premature wear or excess noise don't have the feel.

89turbocabmike · 06-27-2006, 06:29 PM

Thanks Henry, I'm sure I don't have the feel, but hope to at some time in my life

In the mean time I'm sure they'll come in handy for cam timing.

ipapilot · 06-28-2006, 03:59 AM

Do you have any tips for getting the feel of it Henry? These were installed on mine before I purchased it and I can only guess as to how to adjust them. As it is now, they aren't noisy!

MBruns · 06-29-2006, 05:15 AM

We mfg. a set of solid tensioners for early/late style pre 964 911 engines, we have came up with some guidelines for setting the chains both at temp and cold, take a look on the web site JBRacing.com for pics and other items and services.
Mike Bruns

Henry Schmidt · Henry Schmidt's Garage

In response to the somewhat sarcastic request for pointers on how to adjust solid chain tensioners I would say that you must remember that the chains get tighter as the engine heats up.
In the 2.7 days it was said that at 240 degrees (which was not uncommon for these engines) the engine would grow 2-4mm from crank center to cam center.
This means that went cold the chains must be very loose. What is very loose? that's where the feel comes in.
On aluminum cases (which grow less than mag) I set the chain with 1/2 inch play lifting it with my thumb nail above the chain rail. On a mag case engine that number is closer to 3/4 inch. If after assembly the engine makes a whirring noise the you are probably too tight.
If the chains are too loose you will hear them slapping in the cover. A new set of chains will need adjusting at around 12K miles and after that you may never have to adjust them again. Keep in mind that an engine with solid tensioners can use an old chain if it is still within specs.

Hi Mike
I went to your website to read about adjusting the chains and in my old decrepit state could not find tensioner adjustment information. I'm sure it's there but I couldn't find it.

BTW: Great website with an exceptional array of interesting products. Thanks for listing your site. I will be calling soon to place an order.

MBruns · 06-29-2006, 07:01 AM

Thanks Henry, I looked myself and realized its not there, I will add that to the site, we include it with the kits as a guide line for adj./installation. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Regards, Mike Bruns

89turbocabmike · 06-29-2006, 09:36 AM

Henry, thanks for the adjusting info, I hope my post didn't come across as sarcastic. The feel you talk about comes from experience and with one porsche rebuild under my belt I have a growing appreciation of all the different parameters that have to be kept in mind in assembling these motors. I wish I had started at age 22, not 42