Any Reasons Why I Can't INstall Used Tensioners

FA-18C · 01-20-2004, 02:14 PM

At the risk of being slaughtered for cheapness, are there compelling reasons to not install used hyadraulic tensioners and the hardware on my motor? Especially given the possibility of saving 100 bucks or so? Yeah I know, spend the moeny to get the piece of mind, but for us lowly government employees, 100 bucks buys a heck of a lot of beer.

dtw · 01-20-2004, 02:16 PM

I would be worried two things (which would indeed scare me off from buying used Carrera tensioners)
-Their previous home blew up, resulting in possible tiny metal bits inside the tensioners
-They were part of that "bad" production run of tensioners, and now someone is pawning them off.

FA-18C · 01-20-2004, 02:24 PM

Aww crap Dave - ya gotta just gut me right outta the starting line? Well, now you've cost me the extra $$'s for that argument alone. I suppose its better to be prudent and spend that money and not schwack the motor when they fail.

Zeke · 01-20-2004, 02:45 PM

Any reason not to install used parts on that FA-18?

I just couldn't resist that.

yelcab1 · 01-20-2004, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Zeke
Any reason not to install used parts on that FA-18?

I just couldn't resist that.

especially them spent magazines to give you the loaded look but actually you'll be shooting blanks.

Or, maybe the used eject cartridges for the next time you really need to bail out, well maybe not.

FA-18C · 01-20-2004, 03:26 PM

Hate to burst your bubbles, but nearly everything that goes on the FA-18 is reworked, used etc...heck sometimes they can't figure out why it didn't work and just give it back to reinstall again!! The RFI'd component. One of the beauties of redundent engineering.

svandamme · svandamme's Garage

tensioners are supposed to give piece of mind at a price
cheap way out on the parts would definately give me lot's less piece of mind.

FA-18C · 01-20-2004, 03:33 PM

OK, OK, chalk this up to bad idea number, crud, lost count.

vash · vash's Garage

how many of you out there still need to install the tensioners, but for some reason or another havent?

count me as number one (i'll get to it)

just out of curiosity, how many people have experienced failed tensioners? catastophically?

cliff

rfuerst911sc · 01-20-2004, 04:16 PM

Aren't we all driving with used tensioners?If you want to save money in the short term maybe install some safety collars to hold you over until you can afford to upgrade to whatever style tensioner you want.

Pat S · 01-20-2004, 04:38 PM

I'll go against the grain!
I used a used set of Carerra Tensioners in my engine. Got them from an engine that blew. I spent many hours cleaning them with brake cleaner and alcohol. Got 1000miles on the engine so far and it's running strong.

HarryD · 01-20-2004, 04:42 PM

Hey,

I put new tensioners in my car 2,000 miles ago, and now they are "used". Should I take them out and replace with new?

Don't we ALL drive used cars anyway?

[/RANT MODE OFF]

I would think if you know where they came from (i.e. a non-blown up engine) it should not matter.

chuckw951 · 01-20-2004, 05:14 PM

Install a set of tensioner guards. Cheap insurance until you can install the oil pressure tensioners.

Rot 911 · 01-20-2004, 05:41 PM

If you do like Pat did, give them a good cleaning, I don't understand why anyone would have a problem with them. I didn't give a second's thought to reinstalling my tensioners on my '86 with 133,000 miles.