how do know if w124 2.5L tensioner is bad on a 93 300D? it compresses fairly easy, I was thinking that it should be fairly stiff

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1993 MB 300D 245K died.

I try to run em till they rattle. Is it rattling around yet?

It will get quite noisy when it is time to replace it.

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Jim

I have whole other thread on my low rpm clacking noise. I would not describe this noise as a rattle

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1993 MB 300D 245K died.

Remove the shock and belt. Grab the tensioner, neither the arm nor the roller should wobble. The shock should pull out easily but be harder to press in.

-J

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

If the serp belt is riding over the edge of the tensioner pulley a little bit, the bushing in the tensioner arm may be shot. Spring, shock, bolt, bushing can all wear out.

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2009 E320 Bluetec 117,000
1995 E300D 306,000 Sold
1996 Ford Taurus LX 130,000 Sold
1985 300TD Still 225,000 Sold
2016 Ford Fusion 24,900

ooohhhh my mistake, I was talking about the timeing chain tensioner

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1993 MB 300D 245K died.

Test it in a cup of oil. You should feel it pump up and get stiff.

-J

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1991 350SDL. 230,000 miles (new motor @ 150,000). Blown head gasket

Tesla Model 3. 205,000 miles. Been to 48 states!
Past: A fleet of VW TDIs.... including a V10,a Dieselgate Passat, and 2 ECOdiesels.
2014 Cadillac ELR
2013 Fiat 500E.

Oh, and when you screw it into the block go slow so you don't over stress the tensioner rail.