Tensioner Idler Arm Update???

[Jandrews]

Hello,

Is there such a thing as an update for the tensioner idler arm?

My motor is a '73 2.4S (modified to 2.7RS specs), and is undergoing a topend rebuild right now.

In a casual conversation with someone from the local PCA, they mentioned that I "must upgrade to the tensioner idler arm with the 20mm wide pin bore with the bronze bushing" if I have not already done so.

Three questions:

1) Is there such an "update"?
2) Do I already have them?
3) If not, do I need to get them and why?

Here is a pic of my current tensioner idler arm.

[Early_S_Man]

John,

Don't you have Bruce Anderson's Porsche 911 Performance Handbook? The update occured mid-production-year 1980, and they are called the 'double-bushing' chain wheel carriers!

[Jay Auskin]

3) If not, do I need to get them and why?

I'm new to the board (and Porsche ownership), and do not yet have Bruce's book. But the suspense is killing me...does he need them?

I have a 72 911T Targa (recent purchase) that has a body/interior in excellent shape, but was advertised as "engine idler problems" (I bought the car because it doesn't need body work---more on the car in another post). The car does have oil pressure fed tensioners, but I'm trying to diagnose what the problem with the car is (I'm creating theories before taking stuff apart to minimize what gets removed). It has been sitting for 6-7 years, and I was able to turn it over by hand, but haven't had a chance to start looking into it much yet.

So until I do orderand read the book...are they needed, and what do they look like?

Thanks!
Jay

[Jandrews]

Warren,

Yep, I have the bible, and refer to it often. It looks like the idler arms I have fit the "updated" description. They have two bronze bushings for sure, but I'm not sure what the old ones look like.

Based on what you are saying, I think I already have the new ones.


Thanks,

JA