Help needed getting the cam chain tensioners right

[boulderick]

I've got a dilemma I hope someone can help me out with.

I ordered three new cam chain tensioners for my 2000 Boxster S from my friends at Pelican Parts. They showed up labeled as per the photos below. The problem is that the markings don't seem to line up with what I think I'm supposed to see for bank 4-6 and the IMS positions. They seem reversed. The tensioner in the bag that was labeled for the IMS tensioner had a physical part with a single ring marked on the top, and the bag marked for bank 4-6 has no rings, and a 14mm hex drive on the face. Seems like they reversed the parts, or I got the wrong IMS tensioner. Anyone familiar with these new designs and their markings that can help me out? I really don't want to fire up the engine with the tensioners in the wrong places.

Here is what was on the label for each bag and where I installed them (installed per the label):

This one looks like the correct match:
Chain Tensioner, for Cylinders 1-3, Boxster/Bopxster S (1997-04), Each Brand: Genuine Porsche 996-105-186-01-OEM





I think this might be the IMS tensioner . . .
Chain Tensioner, for Cylinders 4-6, Boxster/Boxster S (1997-04), Each Brand: Genuine Porsche 996-105-188-01-OEM





I think this might be the 4-6 Tensioner . . .
Chain Tensioner, For Intermediate Shaft, Boxster/Boxster S (1997-00) Each brand: Genuine Porsche 996-105-180-57-OEM

[BYprodriver]

Sounds like they are labeled correctly & you have the last 2 reversed. The 2 that have rings have matching rings on the case next to the tensioner threads as you can see in your top photo. The IMS tensioner should have a external preload spring & the 4-6 has no rings & no rings on the case or head & requires a hex bit for torqueing.

[boulderick]

Hmmm. The IMS tensioner I have does not have a visible spring - and the one I took out also didn't have an external spring.

[boulderick]

If the number of rings is foolproof, I'll switch the tensioners and assume they were marked incorrectly when shipped from Porsche. I checked them carefully when I received them, and was surprised the the IMS tensioner had rings . . .

[Wayne 962]

I would refer to my tech article here: Pelican Technical Article: Boxster Camshaft Upgrade / Chain Tensioner Replacement - 986 / 987

Specifically, my photo showing the chain tensioners here:

This photo shows the chain tensioner for cylinders 1-3, which is located inside the bottom of the cylinder head. The three tensioners are all different, but look remarkably similar. Porsche marked the top of each tensioner with different rings in order to help distinguish amongst them. A- The chain tensioner for cylinders 4-6 located under the air conditioning compressor. B- The main intermediate shaft tensioner, which fits inside the crankcase near the flywheel. C- The chain tensioner for cylinders 1-3, which fits into the bottom of the cylinder head. Note the handy marking on the head itself (purple arrow).

-Wayne

[boulderick]

Wayne - that clears up my confusion. For some reason I thought the IMS tensioner was the one on the front side of the engine. Seems they were marked correctly and I have them installed correctly. Thanks.

[rah rah 986]

I am experiencing some of the same confusion that you mentioned. Did you determine that the tensioner that requires the 14 mm hex bit for torquing is for cylinders 4-6?

[tomk]

Porsche did change the design a bit and it can be confusing, the one calling for the 14 mm hex can be tough to tighten, I was able to insert a hex bit socket into the tensioner and then tighten it with a 14mm box end wrench as the AC compressor did not afford a rachet handle, hope this helps

[rah rah 986]

Thanks tomk, good idea with the 14 mm open end wrench. Also, you have confirmed the location for me. Tensioner with hex opening is for cylinders 4-6 located under the a/c compressor.

[tomk]

dont use the open end, use the 12 point end, better grip, i also put a little red silicone on the threads to help seal it from leaks

[rah rah 986]

Will do...thanks again.

[seventythree]

Did the new tensioners come with the O-ring and the sealing washer, or did you buy those separately?

[tomk]

in my case the new tensioners came with o rings but not the crush rings, i had to reuse mine, so i added a little red silicone to the threads