Tensioner Failure

markmaunz · 05-11-2005, 09:02 PM

Can anyone tell me what symptoms I would have with tensioner failure? What kinds of things can i do to check for failure??? Any threads on how to fix or replace tensioners??? Thanks, Mark

scottb · 05-12-2005, 12:49 PM

Mark: Use the search button in the upper right hand corner of your screen. You'll find dozens, if not hundreds, of threads dealing with tensioners.

I've heard that a failed tensioner sounds like a chain being dragged across a trashcan. Fortunately, no personal experience.

Good luck.

ckissick · 05-12-2005, 02:29 PM

Well, I do have personal experience, and it does sound like a chain being dragged loosely over someting, because it is. Not so much a metal trash can, more like a plastic trash can, because its hitting the plastic chain guides.

For me, the sound only came at low RPMs, especially as the engine decelerated down to an idle, when I could here the sound between 2000 and 1000 RPM.

There's another sound to look out for: a loud clunk, like a sledge hammer hitting concrete, when you try to start the engine. That's when you drop the engine or call a tow truck. I know that sound, too. And the tensioner had only 100 miles on it. On a bright side, when I had it fixed, I had them put in a 20/21 cam and added some extra HP.

1970_Pete · 05-12-2005, 03:14 PM

I second that - mine happened on decellerating at a junction, right outside a Porsche main dealer, at very low revs! Can you believe that? Must have thought it was going home to mama!

I heard two sounds - the first exactly as described by Charlie, the second my wallet hitting the floor ;-)

It wasn't too bad in the end. I had none of the pistons hitting valves stories you hear. I was lucky. I drove 50 yards onto the forecourt and just told them to fix it!

markmaunz · 05-12-2005, 03:32 PM

Pete, Had you lost any power when the tensioner went?? Jump timing? Im looking at a car that supposedly has lost power and has irratic timing. Head valve job now?? Thanks, Mark

1970_Pete · 03:40 PM

Hard to say - I was slowing down, almost came to a stop, did not have to, pulled away, then the noise kicked in. I instantly new what it was and turned onto the Porsche dealer forecourt - all happened in twenty seconds at low revs. I guess there was reduced power, but I was too scared to really test it. It just sounded like a bag of spanners. The chains did not jump at all, they were just loose.

I know when it happened to me, I scoured this board, and it was invaluable. You will find some answers, and some very knowledgeable folk, here.

carmen78sc · 05-12-2005, 03:42 PM

It also depends whether or not a safety collar has been installed. This will keep the chain from going totally slack, and a many istall them as added insurance since it prevents the chain from jumping teeth on the timing sprockets.

Mine had the collars and when I did the upgrade to Carerra tensioners, I found that one had failed. There was added mechanical noise, but it didn't sound like a chain scraping or dragging. More like a loud, erratic rattle. After the upgrade, mechanical noise went way down, and all the noises are constant rather than erratic.

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

Quote:

I heard two sounds - the first exactly as described by Charlie, the second my wallet hitting the floor ;-)

good one, pete..i needed a smile tonight..

ryan