83 SC --- Best way to check tensioner type
 

Hello:

I'd like to validate what type of chain tensioner my 83 SC Coupe has installed. I know that stock version was the spring type. However, I am not sure if the previous owners every replaced/upgraded to the Carrera hydraulic type.

What would be the suggested method of checking what type of tensioner I have. If I find out that I have the spring type, then I'm inclined to get it upgraded soon.

Thanks!

The Carrera units have an oil line connected through the chain covers.

Thanks Equality.

Just to clarify --- you mean that the oil line runs into/through the covers?

The covers have a sealed hole that the tensioners protrude through. The oil lines connect to the tensioners where they come through the covers. Someone soon will come up with a pic for you.

Here:

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1235012974.jpg

How did he know I was taking a pic? Here is my 81 with Carrera chain tensioners. http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1295487095.jpg

Thanks Bob and Equality for taking and posting pix. I will check mine this weekend and reort back --- hopefully I will be able to discern which one I have.

The 83 tensioners are upgraded from the factory relative to the troublesome ones - not oil fed but they don't fail with the same frequency. Still should upgrade to oil fed but maybe not with the same urgency.

My 83 was built on NOV 82. Would It have gotten fhe ugrade @ factory also?

If still unsure, you take pictures and post. Someone will be able to identify it for you.

A picture will not show the upgraded-in-durability non-oil fed tensioners. They were upgraded in around 1980 - 81 but I am not exactly sure. If you do not have oil lines to your chain covers you have the "pretty good" tensioners but not the Carrera tensioners which arrived in the 84 Carrera.

EDIT - Looked it up in 101 Projects for your Porsche 911. Glad I did as there is a twist to what I am trying to tell you. The chain sprocket idler arms are what received the durability upgrade in 1980. They are wider at the base and have two bushings where they mount and will not bind causing premature chain tensioner failure. Interrelated but not THE tensioner itself that was upgraded.

What about just sleeving the ones that are in your car if yours are standard tensioners.

I've heard that they are an even better solution than the Carrera ones, afterreading various threads on here. Plus they are apparently an incredibly inexpensive solution and take a small amount of time installing too. I believe pelican sells them. Unless my research was only in threads many years old and they turned out to NOT work that well.

Michael

Michael