Dithering over Used Hydraulic Tensioners

[cpcooper]

I'm currently reassembling the top end of my '78 SC 3.0 and beginning to install some used Carrera tensioners I bought from another member here. (Earlier on, I bought everything but the tensionsers from someone else here). I've been trying to prime them by submerging in oil and repeatedly pushing the piston in and it doesn't seem to make any difference in the amount of resistance I feel no matter how much I pump.

Multiple posts read here and elsewhere and I now understand the oil feed does not actually provide the tension, but instead dampens the action of the piston. Also, seems like a good idea to crank motor over until there is oil pressure prior to starting, something I usually do whenever starting a motor that's been apart.

I guess my question is should I bite the bullet and get new tensioners, or try these out. From an article Wayne wrote in about 2002, it sounded like just about all tensioners people thought were bad were, in fact, OK.

Thanks in advance for any advice,

Craig

[proporsche]

if the member said they are ok ,i would trust him.Put it in, do not overthink it and get the engine together,most likely you`d be fine
Ivan

[john walker's workshop]

Use a pump oil can with a hose attached to the all metal line and bolt the banjo end to the tensioner, then pump it up to get the air out. Lets you know that it' going to firm up or not.

[911pcars]

It works like a hydraulic lifter. Pressurized oil fills the tensioner and very slowly bleeds out, but replenished by the lube system. Gravity alone Only works with early, self-contained tensioners.

[cpcooper]

Thanks guys, I'm on it. Will test with pump oil can. Makes sense.