I called Sunset to order Max's list of chain tensioner parts. Turns out the $15 "J-Tube" has been discontinued by Porsche, replaced with an $85 turbo J-tube!? And, they are only available as a special order from Germany.

Question is, can I get a new tensioner, and keep my old J-Tube, or is the J-Tube a wear item that needs to be replaced with the tensioner?

Seriously thinkin of getting the plastic pad and checking out the tensioner's condition for now!

What to do?? I feel like I have a grenade in my engine, waiting to blow!?

 

As far as I know the J-tube does not have to be replaced along with the tensioner.
Keeping your current J-tube is fine, as long as it is in good shape of course.

Hope this helps.

 

I don't think they're talking about the same J-tube. The 8V turbo head has no such animal. I think they're referring to the intake J-tube that connects the AFM to the throttle body.

 

Why do you think you need a J tube?

Re the tensioner, I'd do it right away. It's not a lot of money or anything, unless you don't.

 

I gave them part numbers from Max's list:

944-105-167-03 - J-Tube

My mechanic said I had to also replace the oil pipe (J-tube)? I don't get how a pipe that carries oil through it needs to be replaced--what could wear out??

Snag is, Sunset has the tensioner for a mere $231..but they have to order it, and it would take over a week for me to get it. I may have to buy it for more money, just to get it before the weekend.

 

I guess you're itching to put some miles on it, huh?

 

I'm itchin to put some miles on it without worrying! The engine is asking me to rev it past 5k...but I dare not at this point.

The good news is looking through the warranty book, the first owner changed the oil every 3k, and did spark plugs, o2 sensor, cap/rotor, all in line with the book! So, the engine was taken care of. Funny thing...both P/o's changed the belts at 45k. Asking for trouble!

 

AndyK,
You don't have to replace the J-tube or "oil tube" as long as yours is in good shape. I just replaced mine because I was in there and I didn't know how often the previous owner changed the oil. Since your p.o. changed the oil every 3k miles I don't think you will need to chage your j-tube. However, you will still need 4 of the little crush washers for it as you cannot re-use the ones on there now. I hope this helps a little. Sunset should still be the best deal. I think they had to order mine also but I placed my order at least 2 weeks before I planned to do the job.

Max

 

The only reason you should have to replace that tube is if it is cracked or stopped up.

 

The J tube on my 944S broke off completely. When I pulled the cover, all I found was two banjos still attached to the head and tensioner but the pipe section between the banjos was completely missing! Check that J pipe carefully and keep an eye on it when you do your detailed inspection of the cam sprockets/chain/tensioner every 6-12000 miles!

cheers
Derek

 

you are itching to rev it past 5k. no sympathy here. i was instructed not to let it go past 3.5k for the first 1000 miles! dont make me shed crocadile tears for you andy!

a little electrical gremlin on the seat to get rid of, and i am cruising in my 3500 rpm redline $2 with cushy lumbar seats!

keep me posted as to the car seat you get for the $2. Marisa is almost 20lbs, I snatched a neat century seat from my buddy that was in his mothers lexus for the just in case drive, that matches the aurora's interior. in a few years i will snag the booster seat in his mother's car.

 

AndyK, resize that avatar! That thing is freaking huge!

 

I'll just inspect the J-Tube to make sure it looks OK. I should be getting all my goodies (tensioner, gaskets, washers) today!

I tried to re-size my avatar...help!?

 

try using this one:

<a href="http://poose.reactivesoftware.com/images/Andys944S2.jpg" target="_blank">http://poose.reactivesoftware.com/images/Andys944S2.jpg</a>

<img src="http://poose.reactivesoftware.com/images/Andys944S2.jpg" alt=" - " />

 

Thanks Jason!

Mission accomplished!! I changed the tensioner today! Took forever due to Sunset failing to include the 4 crush washers--had to go to an AUDI dealer to get them!?

The old tensioner is looking and feeling good as new. The ramps are grooved...but other than that, I could have just done the pad replacement I think. And my J-Tube is fine...

So, now I can drive the car without worry (at least for now)! I highly recommend everyone needing a new tensioner to do it themselves! It cost me under $300, and my mechanic wanted $700 to do the job! If I could do it, anyone with hand-eye coordination could! It's a messy job (oily actually), but very satisfying in the end!