new Idler arms and old carrera tensioners leave gap?
 

I filled my tensioners (pressure fed) last night in an oil vat. I just finished putting them on and I notice that there is a gap between the tensioner and the idler arm. I have the new updated idler arms installed. The gap looks like it's beckoning for a spacer washer. Since I upgraded the idler arms did I forget a couple of washers?

The old spacers are too thick of course.

Is the gap supposed to be there?

Lee

Did you get any responses? A picture would surely help me understand.

Lee:

There is a required spacer (thinner - as flange on idler arm is thicker) for the updated tensioner / idler arm. A picture and explanation is in Wayne's engine rebuilding book. If I had it here I'd scan and send but, I don't. The updated idler arm has has a thicker (wider) bearing support necessitating the wider flange. This throws everything else off but ...helps with binding issues thought to eventually cause tensioner failure.

Here is a link to the P-parts page for the chain sprocket spacers

Jase

I got a CD with Waynes book.
With a little instruction I could post the picture you are talking about.
I think you resolved the question but this would be very helpful for the future. I tried to put it in the gallery but it won't accept the file type.
"HTM"?

Thanks for the responses,

I got a reply back from Wayne in that he says that 1 to 2mm of space is normal. I also called Zims to have them look at their parts diagrams for the 84-on models and there are no spacers, shims or washers of any kind on the idler arm shaft. I sealed the motor up after this.

I poured over Wayne's book for a spacer and the only one was for the pre '84 idler arms.
I looked at his parts list and found none listed for 84-on. I could probably fabricate one out of the old spacers.

I have perfect chain sproket parallelisim. That being, on 456 cyls. the piston of the tensioner going against the idler arm is not 100% underneath the seating area. If the Idler arm were pushed out, the chain would be binding and not running parallel. So I'm running with it. I just assumed that the assembly floats on the shaft with whatever the cam and intermediate shaft is doing.

Thanks,
Lee[/img]

OK, I found the pic on Waynes site.
Click on the link above to the cataloge.
Click on the link there for the article.
It is shown on one of the pictures. I think #6 but just go look.

Thanks

Lee

My bad. It is a necessary spacer for the 69(?) to 77 cars. I have a 76 so I wasn't even thinking about the fact that you don't :oops: I am pretty sure my car was upgraded to turbo mechanical tensioners with a safety collar when PO had it apart. AFAIK that was before 84 carreras were even made. (those 2.7s weren't known for their longevity ...eh?) The pressure fed ones are an update I need to do but ...they are on a spare 2.7 I have and plan on "massaging" to put into my car when the time comes. :wink: .

Jase

No sweat amigo. :D