installing Carrera chain tensioner. got a different question

[osidak]

I am to the point of timing my cams and I think I have every thing right on the money. I put the new tensioners into place with the spacers and I found that I had a 3mm gap between the idler(?) arm and the tensioner. I took some photos so you can see what I mean. The allen wrench in photo two fits snug between the spacer and the tensioner and is 3mm.

I do not think this is normal. what is causing this and how do I fix it?

Osidak
78 911sc


[This message has been edited by osidak (edited 09-04-2001).]

[osidak]

Forgot to upload the second file and when I tried to edit it wouldn't let me. Here is the second picture showing the 3mm wrench snug between the tensioner and the spacer.

This photo is of the driver side but it applies to both sides

Thanks

osidak
78 911sc

[Early_S_Man]

Pull out the tiny Cadmium-plated pin to release the spring tension ... and your gap will disappear!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler

[911pcars]

I noticed in the shadows the 3mm allen wrench you're referring to (rather than the gap between the tensioner shaft and the idler arm).

I have the '80 on idler arms which have a wider support bushing. These are recommended. You can pick them up fairly inexpensively (used). Thus, I'm not that intimate/familiar with the spacer clearance behind the tensioner body. Is the tensioner fully installed? If so, I'm not sure what's going on as I also think this space should be close to zero. The spacer supplied in the tensioner kit is supposed to take up the difference when used with the early idler arm. Maybe Warren has the answer.

Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars

[john walker's workshop]

they're all like that. don't worry about it. there's still space there with the wider support arms. the arm floats a bit in and out.

[This message has been edited by john walker's workshop (edited 09-04-2001).]

[osidak]

Warren,
What I feared happened, I pulled the pin and the gap remained. Here are some more photos trying to show the gap.

Again I have placed the 3mm wrench I have also took a photo with a pick to better show the gap. Also notice that the plunger isn't fully on the flat portion of the idler arm.

When I ordered the kit I was under the impression that a 78 just needed the spacers or the updated idlers. What am I missing or doing wrong.

Sherwood-where can I find good used updated idler arms?

suggestions anyone John? Warren? If anyone would like more or different photos let me know.

osidak

[jason1guy]

john walker is right, they're all like that.
did my tensioners and thought the same thing, called the shop and told me there is a gap there and not to stress.

Jason
81 SC

[rstoll]

Pull those pins soldier and cover 'em up!!

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Robert Stoll
83 SC
83 944

[osidak]

I don't like gaps but if you guys say so, I'll pull the pins and duck for cover and have my fingers and toes crossed until I forget they are there.

osidak
78 sc targa
00 vw jetta tdi

[Doug Zielke]

Have faith in the Members of this Hallowed Board, man!
I know my tensioners had the "little gap" as well, but I'm sure as hell not going out to the garage and pull the covers to look
(Nice pictures, BTW.)

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'81 SC Coupe (aka: "Blue Bomber")
Canada West Region PCA
The Blue Bomber's Website

[This message has been edited by Doug Zielke (edited 09-04-2001).]

[Early_S_Man]

osidak,

OK, I didn't look very close at the pic after I saw the 'storage/shipping' pin, and from the written description ... I thought you meant a gap between the tensioner piston and the idler arm.

The 'gap' is there because the idler arm needs to 'float' on the spud to minimize wear on the chain which could occur if the alignment was not perfect and there was a sideways-acting force on the chain wheel.

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa
1992 Dodge Dakota 5.2 4X4 parts hauler

[osidak]

Doug I have the faith other wise I wouldn't be here It is a new camera still learning all the bells and whistles but it is pretty nice camera

This board has help a great deal and I have supported the site by ordering almost 100% of my parts from Wayne. (ok I didn't get my dial guage here)

Warren I knew I should have paid closer attention to those suckers when I yanked the old ones out. Oh well I will double check the timing tomorrow if I can hide from my wife long enough (it's our 10yr anniversary)and pull the pin on the other tensioner as well. Then I get to tackle putting the rest of it back together YAH!!!!

Thanks for all your help guys

osidak
78 sc targa
00 vw jetta tdi

[This message has been edited by osidak (edited 09-04-2001).]

[Matt Smith]

I got 'the gap' too. It kind of makes you wonder why bother putting the spacer in there at all if all it does is float round like a lost puppy.
C'mon Stoll: we need some insights or tensioner philosophy to get us through this rough patch

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'72 911 TE

[911pcars]

..."where can I find good used updated idler arms?"

Osidak,
Scan the "for sale" area, then put a wanted ad there. There must be a few hundred used ones out there waiting for someone to ask. The general consensus is that the late idler arms with the wide bushings prevent most tensioner chain failures (hydraulic or otherwise); the earlier ones bind on the pivot stud. New ones are over $100 ea.

Regards,
Sherwood Lee
http://members.rennlist.org/911pcars

[rstoll]

Matt, that is my tensioner philosophy. Put them in and don't look at 'em. Any time the tensioner thing comes up on the board it makes me anxious. I just get it out of my head and something new comes up. So my suggestion is don't get an ulcer over these things. Put them in, cover them up and listen to the music.

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Robert Stoll
83 SC
83 944