Well I do feel kinda stupid for not asking this earlier, but its better late than never.
When installing a new tining chain tensioner on a 616912 , 83 240d I did not loosen the bolt that applies the spring pressure. I just primed the tensioner with oil and installed.
I'm hoping this is O-K. I've been driving it that way for about a year.I read some posts about this recently and realized I may have done the job incorrectly.
Is it possible that I have too much tension on my chain right now. Could it wear out the tensioning rail prematurely? I'm affraid of cauing catastrophic failure. That would be devastating. My engine has great compression and I want to keep it that way. thanks for the help and for not making me feel even more stupid.

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Chris
84 280sl
82 300d euro

It is possible to have too much tension, or if it is the same as when you changed the chain, it could be too little based on wear of the original parts.

Best case would be that if it is a new tensioner and rail, and new chain, set the same as when it was fresh from the assembly line, it could be dead on.

Since you have been running for a year now, it would be a good idea to check it, but since there have been no problems, you may find all is well. I would check it just for peace of mind.

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RRGrassi


70's Southern Pacific #5608 Fairmont A-4 MOW car

13 VW JSW 2.0 TDI 193K, Tuned with DPF and EGR Delete.

91 W124 300D Turbo replaced, Pressure W/G actuator installed. 210K

90 Dodge D250 5.9 Cummins/5 speed. 400K

How do I check if the tension is correct. All parts were new at time of installation.

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Chris
84 280sl
82 300d euro

Well, my thought is that you did the installation correctly.

The tensioner on the 240D engine is not a ratcheting device. The tension is just a matter of spring pressure and oil pressure. The oil pressure actually provides the stronger tension - with the spring being there to keep a minimum of pressure against the chain during the startup situation.

So, there's no reason that I know of to take off the bolt when installing a new tensioner. The bolt is there so you can check and change the spring, since over time the spring can get weak.

You should be in good shape.

Ken300D

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1982 300D at 351K miles
1984 300SD at 217K miles
1987 300D at 370K miles

That is what I thaught, but I wanted to make sure. there are many threads about the ratcheting type, but not about the non ratcheting ones. I suppose that is because the non ratcheting ones are easier to install. thanks again for the reassurance

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Chris
84 280sl
82 300d euro