Chain Tensioner change in 1984

[glenncof]

I have a 1985 911 which has a manufacture date code of December 1983. It is a Cab and was a Porsche company car so I'm first owner. Everything about has been 1985 except paint code (1984), antenna not in windshield, and clutch (1986).

I would like to know HOW TO TELL from the outside if I have Old Style Mechanical tensioner or New Style. See Pelican Tech Article below.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_carrera_chain_tensioners/911_carrera_chain_tensioners2.htm

How can I tell for sure ?

[Wil Ferch]

I doubt you have an 85 built as early as 83.

Is it an "F" series car?... WP0AB0911 F S120XXX...as an example of the VIN number... the "F" indicates 1985. If it's "E" it's an 84.

In any case...the later ( 84+) hydraulic chain tensioners would have the tell-tale small hydraulic tubes running alongside the front ( of engine...seen as "rear" of car) of the chain casing covers....external to the engine.

- Wil

EDIT: see also here--> carrera chain tensioner identification?

[Bill Verburg]

here's what the passenger side tensioner oil lines might look like, ignore the stuff to the left of the fan

[glenncof]

Guys, thanks alot.

The VIN is "F" for 1985, I just checked. I now remember I took it to the dealer where I bought it when I was working on the paint code. Tech punched in the VIN after calling Porsche and he verified it's '85. I suspect this may have been a prototype or first issue of the 85 Cabolet and Porsche employee drove it until I purchased it in 1991 with 17K miles.

Yes the oil lines are there from a quick topside inspection. It's getting up there in mileage and I don't like surprises.

Bill, the "stuff" to the left in your photo is hard to ignore. I'm glad you had a chance to post such a nice looking engine to show the little oil lines :)

[Bill Verburg]

cabs started coming form the factory in '83

[Wil Ferch]

Bill...right...as SC's, though !

I'd like to se the door jamb label showing the build date.

- Wil

[glenncof]

OK, here's a poor photo.



In the upper right hand corner is the date code, read as "1 bar 12 - 83" where 'bar' is a vertical bar. You can also see the mid-end of the VIN with the F.

Another interesting note is the vehicle weight; 2417 pounds. As you may know this is quite heavy. The front is 1433 and rear is 2094, add this together is 3527. I don't know why there is 110 lbs difference.

[Bill Verburg]

That's an '85 Carrera allright

Don't confuse gross weight -the maximum that can be statically loaded and net weight - the actual weight that a scale would measure.

Also the 2415# figure is pure fantasy for a stock US Carrera.

To get the real #s have your shop put it on corner balance scales, it's worth it to have the corner balance and alignment dione while there.

[glenncof]

Sorry, typo error. Should be 3417 lbs. total gross weight (GAWR).

This is a Cab, so it's got 700-800 lbs of stiffening.

[RoninLB]

confirm the oil lines have the mounting brackets or get the bracket kit and new small dia oil feed lines imo.