open reservoir tensioner
 

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1310840589.jpg


I have my muffler and heat exchangers off (no stuck or broken studs :D ) and just completed a valve adjustment (backside method)

I figured while the muffler was off I would rebuild my tensioners and put safety collars on. The engine is completely stock and I have the open reservoir tensioners.

I was surprised by the tensioners when I removed the covers because I expected to see the "new" style tensioner with the sealed reservoir and a bleed screw on the side.

The "new" style tensioners have some rubber o-rings inside while what I have, as far as I can tell from the picture, has no rubber pieces inside.

If I am correct and there are no rubber pieces inside is there any reason to open these old tensioners for a rebuild?

What is it that fails with the tensioners normally? I am assuming o-ring failure releasing the fluid pressure. Do the springs fail?

Thanks for your input

Replying to my own post...

I went ahead and used two parts from the tensioner rebuild kit and replaced part #5 and #7. These were plastic and I'm discovering 45 year old plastic is brittle.

Now for my next question. Has anyone attempted to install a tensioner guard on the open reservoir tensioner? To me it appears it wont fit...small cup large guard.

Anyone?

Thanks, Jay

if you still have the ancient rubber ramps in there, be sure to replace them with the plastic ones. the ends break off and go through the sprockets. not a good thing. probably ought to get rid of the ancient tensioners too.

Thanks John,

I've been looking into the ramp issue and discovered something interesting. I have no black or brown ramps only "plastic faced aluminum" ramps.

I seem to be coming up with more questions than answers. Are plastic faced aluminum ramps better than plastic ramps? Are the plastic ramps even interchangeable?