tensioner guard install question

[jdowty3]

I'm installing the tensioner guards on my 83SC and have a few questions.

1) the direction card says to "raise both tensioner to their most extended position" but while rotating the crank I don't see very little movement (maybe 2mm) of the tensioner shaft. The chains seem to have very little flex to create movement in the tensioner.

2)the directions then say to "rotate the crank 360 degrees to normalize the tensioners" and use a small aluminum block guage to get the correct spacing but the guage plus the guard seems to exceed the space between the tensioner body and the end of the shaft.

Is there a crank position (as compared to Z1 on the pulley) that will put the tensioners at their most extended position? Can I just mount the guard a specific space below the end of the tensioner shaft?

[john walker's workshop]

sometimes with new chains, there isn't enough space for it. yours looks ok, as long as the tensioner shaft is slightly proud of the clamp so the arm doesn't rub on it. be sure to end up with the same gap on each side of the clamp because they can break otherwise.

[jdowty3]

Thanks for the response John.
As far as I know, the chains are not new. I've had the car for 5 years\30K miles and this is the first time I've had the covers off. I don't have much info from the previous owner.
Could the lack of slack be due to the cold (about 50 here in sunny MI)?
Should I just position the guards as high up on the shaft as it will go without hitting the arm even if the clearance to the tensioner body is less than 1\8 inch?

[john walker's workshop]

that's about all you can do if you want to use them. if you're pretty close to the width of the spacer block they should be ok. the tensioner does have to move some.