Chain tensioner questions
 

I am about to do my chain tensioner update and have been looking over the procedure here and in my 101 Projects book. There is a blurb at the end of the procedure that mentions submersing the tensioner in oil and pumping it. It doesn't mention this anywhere in the step by step explanation. My question is, do I do it this way and if so after I have pumped it full of oil do I re-insert the pin before I install the tensioner?

Secondly, I have an 82 SC, do I have the later style idler arms? I would rather not order new ones if I don't need them. And the chain ramps, from the pictures I only see the one ramp. Are the others hidden by some of the parts in the case? I have ordered a set of ramps just in case.

Has anyone else done this upgrade by themselves? I am not without a bit of mechanical ability so I am somewhat confident in doing this but it would be nice to hear from others and their experiences.

I did this a while back and found it to be pretty easy. My issue came from a broken ramp, so I ended up replacing all of them while in there.

The '82 does have the later idler arms. No need to replace under normal conditions.

I did load the tensioners with oil before installing. Some installation instructions recommended it, others didn't mention it. I thought it can't hurt. Yes, you will want to put the pins back in after loading.

Good luck.

Just as "dlagerstrom" says, if you have any mechanical ability this is more tedious than difficult (must remove the muffler, etc.). I found it easier to chuck the tensioner in a vise and fill the orfice with a pump oil can while pumping the tensioner but either way I think it's a good idea to prime (fill) it before installing. Yes do re-install the retainer pins (don't forget to pull them after installation). I did replace the ramps but that's up to you and their condition. "Don't let the chain go slack " is a common (and good) piece of advice but it's not that hard to keep some tension on it (I used a couple of over-sized, plastic-jawed spring clamps).

Good luck,

JerryM
'78SC

Thanks guys...

Yup, what they said.

I also like to run the engine with the starter for about 10-15 seconds to prime the lines fully before starting it up. I'm not sure if I mentioned that in the book.

-Wayne