Rebuilt Chain Tensioner Life Cycle?
 

I have a 1983 SC with 227k on the ODO and still running the original 3.0L. I purchased the car several years ago with ~195k on it and at that time I rebuilt the chain tensioners (new seals, o-rings, springs etc) and installed some fail-safe collars for peace of mind.

Recently the car started making a rattling chain noise when cold which I am attributing to failing chain tensioners. I have not removed the rear covers yet to verify this. Rebuilding the tensioners is a lot more cost effective than purchasing new ones but I would have expected a longer life cycle than 30k miles. Although I replaced all of the wear components I am wondering if the metal parts are worn out of tolerance leading to this failure.

Is this typical of rebuilt tensioners? Are there any other options for servicing them to as-new condition or is it better to replace them?

I rebuilt the tensioners in my '71 in '85. One started to fail in around 2000 after about 75K miles.

I was told by an experienced trained Porsche mechanic that there was a Porsche service bulletin that recommended a tensioner rebuild at 40K miles.

When a tensioner is rebuilt it is important that the upper chamber is filled completely with oil, as that is the only oil the tensioner will have during it's life.