Carrera tensioners soft after re-install?

[PrimeMvr]

I'm putting back together an 87 930 engine. I slowly compressed the tensioner pistons in a hand arbor press and they were very resistant. After installing and removing the grenade pin, they extended all the way out, but both are not nearly as resistant to pressure as before. Nothing went "pop" when I was compressing, just a very slow trickle of oil coming out the vents at the top of the piston.

Is this normal and will tighten up on startup? I've never been clear if the oil pressure provides the tension or just damping for a spring inside.

Thanks,
Steve

[snbush67]

Yes once you compress them they can loose pressure. They will pressurize upon rotating the engine. Before you start the engine for the first time you should build up pressure by unhooking your ignition but rotate the engine with the starter. Once you have pressure, then hook up the coil, start the engine to run in the cams. 2K rpms for 20 minutes.

[timmy2]

Or, just pull the fuel pump relay and crank it.
Easier on the ignition...

[PrimeMvr]

Thanks, I can sleep better now.

Not a pro, but this isn't my first engine, just the first with pressure-fed tensioners. I use the relay method. I live in the midwest, so the cars get the cold crank pre-oil every spring. Although I haven't figured out how to do it on the 997 yet...