Mechanical Tensioner Adjustment?

[wowzer911]

RECENTLY PERFORMED ENGINE SWAP. NEW ENGINE HAS MECHANICAL CHAIN TENSIONERS (MODIFIED SEALED TENSIONERS) I LIKE THE IDEA, BUT READ SOMEWHERE THESE NEED TO BE ADJUSTED AT REGULAR INTERVALS. HOW TIGHT SHOULD THE CHAINS BE? HOW DO I KNOW WHEN THEY NEED ADJUSTING???

[Steve@Rennsport]

Hi:

Although you likely do not want to hear this, but I'd strongly recommend that you install the pressurized Carrera tensioner kit instead of the mechanical ones you have.

Those mechanical ones were a very poor solution to the early hydraulic ones that were prone to failure.

Fact is, these engines expand FAR more than most people understand and the mechanical tensioners cannot accomodate this expansion at all. I've see very high rates of chain and sprocket wear with those things and when the Intermediate shaft and its sprockets become worn, you must split the cases to replace it.

From experience, its FAR cheaper to purchase & install the Carrera Tensioner kit, then perform regular replacements of the chains, cam sprockets, idlers, and intermediate shaft spockets.

[armandodiaz]

I second that. do a search and there's a post of how to prepare for a Carrera tensioner failure. This would be good to do while you are doing the upgrade.