Chain Tensioner Upgrade??

[T1R1]

I'm about to start my chain tensioner upgrade on my '77 and after reading all information I can find about it there seams to be disagreement on if you need to pump up the tensioners with oil or not before you install them??? What the lastest concensus??

Thank to all!! Ted

[s_wilwerding]

Before you install the tensioners, squirt a little oil in them and pump them a few times. They may get hard, but neither of mine did. Install them as you normally would, but before turning over the engine, pull off the distributor cap. Then turn over the engine a few times. This should prime the tensioners so that they are tight when you replace the distributor and run the car for real.

I spent the better part of an hour trying to prime the tensioners with oil on a workbench. I just ended up installing them in the car and pumping them with oil as described above. When the oil pressure first hits the chain tensioners, you'll hear them tighten up.

Good luck.