2.0 engine with updated chain tensioners

[volktek1]

Can I use the updated chain tensioner kit on a 2.0 engine. I want to upgrade the tensioners to make it more reliable. The part number I am looking at is 93010591199, will the chain covers in this kit work as well as the oil lines.

[Walt Fricke]

From memory, the early chain boxes on the sand cast cases did not have as many studs to hold the covers on, which means you can't just use the later covers. The later covers have 10 studs on one side, and 11 on the other. The later covers also have, on the left side, two longer 8mm studs - part of smog pumps and whatnot. But it is easy just to use long 6mm studs and nice washers if that is the only issue.

If you use the late style idler arm, and the last, 930 part number, tensioner used just before the pressure tensioners, you should have no problems anyway. And you can attach a collar to the tensioner which will limit how far it can collapse, in the unlikely event it does collapse.

Just so you have options. Bruce Anderson's book shows an early cover with a sort of bung welded and milled to accept the pressure fed tensioner.

[volktek1]

Thank you for the information.

[volktek1]

Do you happen to know what year was the last year they used the non psi fed tensioners on the 930? I think it was 77 but not sure.

[Flat6pac]

The oil fed tensioners didnt come out until the Carrera in 84
My 76 had standard hydraulic tensioners that I removed in 1990.
You should be able to update any of the magnesium cases with oil fed tensioners.
Bruce

[Daves911L]

If you have an earlier 2 liter with the sandcast aluminum chain boxes and covers, you can modify the covers for the later style tensioners. Not difficult, just requires a little careful thought and machining for the oil feed fitting on the tensioner to protrude through the cover. The cover isn't thick enough to provide a sealing surface for the o-ring, so you would have to weld (or otherwise fasten) an aluminum ring there to provide sealing. Nothing else has to be done.

But why go to this bother. The pressure fed tensioners are not necessarily more reliable than the sealed tensioners. Each has its own problems. On cars I've had with pressure fed tensioners I've often noticed light rattles at certain RPM. While I wouldn't throw them away if I had them, I sure wouldn't rush out and buy a set to "upgrade" sealed tensioners.

Use the latest style sealed tensioner, and the wide style idler arms and you should have little trouble. Every two years, spend a Saturday servicing the tensioners. Replace the seals. Use American size o-rings from your FLAP store as they will be a little thicker than OEM and much cheaper. Refill with oil, bleed, compress, and re-install. They will last forever this way. You can use the guards for peace of mind. But in my opinion they are unnecessary and may lull you into neglecting your semi-annual maintenance. This has been my practice for well over 30 years and I have never ever had a sealed tensioner failure.

[volktek1]

You wouldnt happen to know the part number of those tensioners, or would it just be the tensioners for an 1983.