Carrera tensioners not centered on idler?

munsonbw · 11-19-2007, 05:40 PM

OK, I have looked and searched and I can't seem to find any pics detailing my issue. I just installed the Carrera tensioner upgrade on my 81 ROW and what I have is the tensioner piston is half on and half off of the idler. The tensioner itself is fully seated against the chain housing, and with the cover on looks like the correct amount of the oil feed stub is exposed. The idler is up against the housing too (at the back), but here is about a 3/16" gap between the idler and the tensioner mount. The idlers are from the carrera donor, so I know it isn't a spacer issue. Any ideas? I appears that the idlers just need to "float" a bit towards the rear of the car and all is good. I looked at the diagrams here on Pelican and I see nothing. Any help before I start it up would be great. Oh, in case it matters I did just have the motor apart. Heads and cams stayed together as a unit. Shims were put back per Wayne's book... pretty sure that is correct.

Thanks,
Ben

ZOA NOM · ZOA NOM's Garage

Mine are that way too. They float. The chain will keep them aligned.

munsonbw · 11-19-2007, 05:55 PM

Thanks for the vote of confidence ZOANAS. Like I said, I checked and checked and could not see how I could have goofed. But, mistakes happen and a full rebuild does not sound like enough fun to offset the cost!

hcoles · 11-19-2007, 07:16 PM

I wrote up some threads on this... I think.
I made spacers and put them behind the idler arm to keep them from slipping back under braking. I left about 1mm gap. The chain is slack on that side. That the chain keeps all this lined up in all conditions, I don't think anyone knows. I can't believe someone else noticed this. Like you I didn't like it so I did something about it. Of course I also put in what I call Jerry Woods piston slugs... these go in the bottom of the tensioners below the pistons. 20k miles on the engine and no issues so far...