Collapsed Tensioner? Advice

awdbandito · 11-06-2013, 06:46 PM

Hey all, I believe I have a failed tensioner on an '88 Carrera.

I can compress one of the tensioners by hand by pushing it. It springs back up when I let go, but I believe it is softer than it should be.
The other won't budge a bit when I try to compress it by hand.

I'm guessing the one I can compress by hand is not functioning properly.

I was driving the other day and noticed a sound I had never heard before. Heard it more at idle and when pulling out. Once the engine got up to a steady RPM it seemed to go away.

Can somebody tell me if I should be able to compress the tensioner by hand?

Thanks,
J.D.

jason2guy · 11-06-2013, 10:42 PM

sounds like the tensioner is gone. you heard the chain so you know for sure. when that happend on my car i replaced both of them.

boyt911sc · boyt911sc's Garage

JD,

If you could compress the tensioner by hand it has collapsed!!!!! You need a mechanical aid to push or compress a good working hydraulic tensioner. Avoid running the engine till you get this fixed. Don't take unnecessary risk driving the car.

Tony

Chuck.H · Chuck.H's Garage

When one of my tensioners failed, it sounded like a bunch of marbles in an empty coffee can, and yes I was able to compress it by hand, though it took some effort.

I was on the fence about replacing both of them - I'm of the mindset that new OEM parts are not always better than old seasoned working parts. So I only replaced the failed one.

Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 365k miles

tharbert · tharbert's Garage

Wow, a replacement Carrera tensioner is less than the normal spring tensioner! 930-105-058-03-M260 from our host.

awdbandito · 11-07-2013, 06:39 AM

Thanks for the responses. It has definitely collapsed then.
I just wanted some reassurance.
I will just replace the one that failed.

Thanks again.

911pcars · 11-07-2013, 08:41 AM

Hmmm. The pressure-fed tensioners operate like a hydraulic valve lifter on a pushrod engine. There is designed-in oil bleed, but constantly fed oil by the lube system. Yes, should be rigid per your test.

Before you buy a new tensioner, remove the external tensioner supply line from the cam box cover, then crank engine (ign. OFF) to confirm oil flow. In addition, confirm a clear internal path in the supply line to the tensioner.

Sherwood

RSBob · RSBob's Garage

If you need them, I am selling a used but excellent set of Carrera pressure fed tensioners with all the trimmings. Will not sell just one

awdbandito · 11-07-2013, 11:04 AM

The engine has all valve covers off, no oil, and the cam gear covers off, so I can't try to turn it over with the starter.

The presumed bad tensioner can be compressed by pulling down on the arm that the gear is attached to.

The presumed good tensioner can't be compressed by hand a all.

I am just going to order a single new one. Thanks for the offer RSBob.

kodioneill · kodioneill's Garage

You should replace both the other is likely not far behind.

65rsr · 11-07-2013, 12:51 PM

These don't fail:

JB Racing

Vipergrün · 11-07-2013, 04:54 PM

May as well replace the ramps while you are in there. After replacing everything and BEFORE starting the engine, turn it over by hand....yes, the chains can jump a tooth on the cam sprocket...I have an old piston with a hole in it as a reminder...

awdbandito · 11-08-2013, 04:58 AM

Thanks all. The ramps look good, and the other tensioner is currently stiff as can be, so it seems to be working as well. I'm not one to replace things unless there is a reason. This is a 125k mile engine so things are still in pretty good shape.
It isn't too hard to access these, so I'm just going to replace the failed part and leave the rest alone.