update...
Since that time that I had an indie replace the belt tensioner I have replaced it again less than a year ago. And now I noticed that it's slightly cocked again.
Whyy am I chewing up belt tensioners? Is it because I have been running without the damper? If so... what in particular is affected? is it because of the absence of damping that's causing the bearing to fail? or the missing "counter" force exerted by the damper's position, it being on the other side of the belt pulley?

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85 190E 2.3(SOLD)
86 230E (-->300D) sold
87 300D (-->300TD) sold
68 250S w/ a 615 and manual tranny (RIP)
87 300TD (SOLD)
95 S280 "The KRAKEN" (Turbo 2.9 602 transplant) traded
86 190E 2.3... current project