Carrera Tensioner Upgrade Upgrades!

[Funracer]

I am accumulating parts to do the Carrera tensioner upgrade while my engine is out.

Now reading about two Carrera tensioner mods. Both have been out there for awhile and I want to check current thinking.

First is the “Jerry Wood” sleeve mod. Still worth doing?

Second involves adding a flow restrictor to each tensioner oil supply line. Should I?

On the hydraulic tensioner subject, while I hold it should I be able to compress the tensioner piston a bit with my thumb?

Thanks

[Walter_Middie]

funracer,

I'm no expert, but I've had the "Jerry Woods" mod in mine for years. I like the safety knowing that the tensioner travel is limited. This mod will not allow you to use the grenade pins to hold the tensioner piston compressed, but I have not found that to be a problem. I just install them on the car using a large set of channel lock pliers.

As long as there is no oil in the tensioners, you can depress the piston against the spring pretty easily. Once you add oil, and the check balls are working correctly, depressing the piston is hard - I've always needed some kind of mechanical advantage (I use the vise when working near the workbench, and the channel lock pliers mentioned earlier for installation).

[Funracer]

Originally Posted by Walter_Middie

funracer,

I'm no expert, but I've had the "Jerry Woods" mod in mine for years. I like the safety knowing that the tensioner travel is limited. This mod will not allow you to use the grenade pins to hold the tensioner piston compressed, but I have not found that to be a problem. I just install them on the car using a large set of channel lock pliers.

As long as there is no oil in the tensioners, you can depress the piston against the spring pretty easily. Once you add oil, and the check balls are working correctly, depressing the piston is hard - I've always needed some kind of mechanical advantage (I use the vise when working near the workbench, and the channel lock pliers mentioned earlier for installation).

Good info. Thanks

[mepstein]

There are some threads on this site that talk about the flow restrictors. Seems to me that they are important but I'm no expert.

[HaroldMHedge]

From Cam Pitting, Piston Oil Squirter Testing Without Splitting Case, Post 38.

Originally Posted by Henry Schmidt

In my opinion the factory oil cam feed restrictor is too small.
From memory... 2.5mm. The non-restricted fitting is 6mm.
We modify the opening to 4mm. This gives us the best of both worlds.

Years ago Dieter's in San Diego did some testing with the factory restrictors the cam still gets enough oil. Sorry, I can't find this on the internet.

[Trackrash]

Originally Posted by mepstein

There are some threads on this site that talk about the flow restrictors. Seems to me that they are important but I'm no expert.

There is a flow restrictor available that restricts the oil to the CAM oil squirters. Lots of discussion about that.

Is there also a restrictor for the oil just going to the tensioner.? I have not heard of it. But it sounds like a good idea.

There is a stream of oil that continually flows through and out of the tensioners. Seems like a waste to me.

[Funracer]

Originally Posted by HaroldMHedge

From Cam Pitting, Piston Oil Squirter Testing Without Splitting Case, Post 38.



Years ago Dieter's in San Diego did some testing with the factory restrictors the cam still gets enough oil. Sorry, I can't find this on the internet.

Seems odd to me that this restrictor is not included in any tensioner upgrade kits. It must be purchased separately.

[HaroldMHedge]

Originally Posted by Funracer

Seems odd to me that this restrictor is not included in any tensioner upgrade kits. It must be purchased separately.

Not really since you don't need to replace the restrictor when installing the tensioner upgrade kits. The upgrade kit came out before the intermediate piece (restrictor) was changed.

[Dr J]

I did the Jerry Wood mod when I installed the carrera tensioner upgrade. I agree with the OP that it gives the extra peace of mind. I also put the restrictors but have not inspected the cams in a while so I won’t give an opinion as to whether it’s good or bad. Next engine drop I will take a good look.