OM 617 chain tensioner
 

Hi all experts here!

I have a 617.912 engine in a Land Rover. The engine does not run well and I am going through it step by step now with the help of all the knowledge on this forum. Having dismantled the chain tensioner (as part of renewing chain/aligning camshaft correctly to crankshaft) I cannot see how it matches the description; "take care opening the cap as the spring is under tension and will come out". Behind my chain tensioner cap was no spring, but taking out the whole tensioner it seems to function correctly and certainly has a spring in it as it can be compressed with mild force. I have read about the ratchet function but there does not seem to be any of that on mine... Niether can I find any obvious way of dismantling it further. Any ideas please?

Most OM617s talked about here are turbo versions - they have a simpler spring in their tensioners.

Our non turbo engines need to have their tensioners filled with oil before fitting.

Oh by the way look for the diesel section - you'll meet more like minded people there!

Ok, thanks. My engine is not a turbo version, -and being European might differ in details from the US versions i suppose.

I have the same engine as you (probably)

Generally speaking the only weird stuff that went on in the US at the time of the OM617 was emissions related junk. Stuff like chain tensioners didn't change.

Have you got a copy of the factory service manual (FSM)?

It is kind of available for free via www.startekinfo.com but don't hold your breath as the site is really badly managed. Look for either the W123 or the W126 FSMs with the 300D / 300SD badge designations to get the engine section that you need.

OK, Thanks. Will check out the Star Tech site. I do have parts of the FSM but for the chain tensioner thats where I got the non-matching description about the spring coming right out!

/brgds