Tensioner info, true or false

[Hog]

I just came across this info on tensioners.

Timing Chain Tensioner Caution On
1990-95 GM 5.7L VIN J Engines

The AERA Technical Committee advises the following caution when examining timing chain tensioners on 1990-95 GM 5.7L VIN J engines. This engine is also referred to as the LT5 or Corvette engine.

The left and right side timing chain tensioners on the LT5 engine should not be installed in their fully extended position. If a tensioner is installed in its extended position, it will create an extreme loading condition on the timing chain. This extreme loading has been the cause of timing chain breakage, which results in piston to valve contact and extreme engine damage. Attempting to compress a
fully extended tensioner may damage the internal seals and result in component failure after installation.

General Motors recommends replacement of both tensioners anytime they are removed from the engine. It is also recommended to check a new tensioner for overall length as shown in the illustration below. Any tensioner that is longer than 2.165 (55 mm) should be returned to GM as a defective unit. The right side tensioner is available under Part #10174324 and the left side is Part #1017425.

The AERA Technical Committee

Is this info correct?

Are those the most current part numbers for tensioners?

thanks

peace
Hog

[A26B]

http://www.jerrysgaskets.com/housing...ign-90-95-1g4/

[GOLDCYLON]

I agree with Cliff. I believe if they are not damaged and they can be reset without a problem they can continued to be used. I beleive the General is making sure that its parts inventory should always be reduced at any given oppourtunity. Those are old part numbers.

[Hog]

OK thank-you gentlemen, much appreciated.

peace
Hog

[phrogs]

I have reused mine and so have many others.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by phrogs

I have reused mine and so have many others.

Me too.
I reused mine a dozen or more times.
When you whack them to release don't hit the check ball take the biggest punch that fits the housing hole and offset grind it just so the punch does not hit in the center.

Even head bolts can be reused a dozen or so times.

Pete

[Hog]

Originally Posted by GOLDCYLON

Those are old part numbers.

Hey GC, if 10174324 10174325 for the left and right hand chain tensioners are old numbers. Do you happen to know the newer numbers. I can't seem to find them anywhere. Even the right hand updated housing kit 12550580 lists 10174324 as being the tensioner that is used in that updated housing kit.

Maybe I'm missing something?

Online inventories are much larger for the 324(right) than for the 325(left) tensioner assemblies by a ratio of 14:1.

thanks.

peace
Hog

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Originally Posted by Dynomite

There is an upgrade RH chain tensioner housing made of two piece aluminum to hold more oil.

I doubt that upgrade is high priority as Craig suggests below in Updated RH timing chain tensioner.

CHAIN TENSIONERS
Resetting timing chain tensioner http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread....7521&post87521
Chain tensioner unloader http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread....5232&post95232
Updated RH timing chain tensioner http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=12599
New style chain tensioner http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread....663&post105663

Cliff,

As soon as I fire this baby up with the new tensioners I'll post an update with the new designed (aluminum housing) style and see what start up difference, etc. I'm sure it does or GM would not have improved the design, but it is definitely the same tensioner in the housing. Too bad Carter does not make those new style tensioner housings.........

[Pete]

The new design RH housing besides the bigger oil reserve.
The center hole is offset reason for this when using a punch to unload tensioner it does not hit the check ball on the tensioner,it will ruin the tensioner.

Unless you use an offset punch or grind/make one to work.

Pete

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Originally Posted by Dynomite

Carter asked me about any interest in the New RH Aluminum Chain Tensioner Housings the other day (since this issue came up here again). I am sure Carter could and would make these two piece RH aluminum chain tensioner housings for us if he had one to go by. I am thinking about installing one myself depending on what you advise in that regard



Thanks for that information Pete I put that in Solutions under the Heading CHAIN TENSIONERS http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread....8872&post88872

Cliff,

Had I known my Z would have been hung up so long I could have sent the housing to Carter to repro, but I installed them today after setting in the camshafts on the right side. When you look at the design it really makes sense how it would hold the oil in reserve being upside down and all. You can see some good engineering went into the design, so I'm sure I'll be please as will you. I reset the tensioner in a matter of seconds and surprised that I still had it in me after all these months of idle.

By the way, as Pete said they designed it well. When I used the instructions to "fire" the tensioner with the release tool by rotating the shaft of the tool until the 5mm peg was in the 6mm hole, then the pry bar against the frame it worked like a charm. I'll try to figure a way to scan the instructions and illustrations to post.