944Ecology

Spend the $300 and do the entire tensioner at 60K, then the tensioner and the chain at 120K.

That will cut your chances of catastrophic failure down drastically.

gb

Tom R.

George,
Can you write something up in Pano on this topic. Here is the question:

I own a 16 valve 944. The maual does not say anything about replacing the Cam Chain Tensioner. If the pad on the tensioner breaks, I know it means catastrophic failure. I know the 928 has the same part, and that the 928 also does not specify a replacement interval.

When should I change the tensioner, the pad, and the lower pad to avoid catastrophic failure, and why?

Thanks
TR, NY

joseph mitro

this has already been covered a few times in various ways in the PCA tech website.

tensioner repair

tensioner repair 2

tensioner info

944_S_TYPE

Just an FYI.... I have seen brand new cam chains on ebay for aroung 15-20 bucks. I got mine for 15.00. I plan to to the cam chain and tensioner assy before the snow melts....And we sure have lots of snow here... 30" here in boston!

hacker-pschorr

I had no idea my 1987 944S had VarioCam!

Too bad nobody has pointed this out to them or maybe they don't feel like changing it. Some poor schmuck is going to read that, realize his 1987-1988 16V is not a VarioCam version and figure it's not an issue on their car.

Tom R.

I see your point. I also used to be in charge of a volunteer organization. When a non worker would comment on a unimportant error made by a volunteer I would always ask if they wanted to take time away from their family, job, or hobby to do a better job. People didn't usually complain to me twice! Many actually volunteered. Hint Hint!

Jfrahm

For an S or S2, I say replace the top pad at 100k or so, and the whole assembly (just to get the bottom pad) and cam chain at 180K or so. The assembly is not going to wear out, but the bottom pad might crack from age and heat. You can change the parts out sooner, but mostly you will be throwing away good money and good parts. Money is good for other things like tires, beer and airplane tickets.

968's should probably get a cam chain and both ramps done at 120-130K or thereabouts and maybe again at 200K, with a lot of consideration to having the cam gears welded up or the cams replaced due to wear at that mileage. Maybe the variocam assembly too.

-Joel.

hacker-pschorr

Tom - I used to be a board member of the local PCA up here.

Micah

I would inspect new chains very carefully. A few years ago SSF distributed some faulty chains to a variety of vendors.

Micah