Tom928

IIRC, 85 and newer tensioner is 32V. I am not sure if 32V tensioner will work on 16V water pump or idler arm?

Another concern I have is the lower roller assembly; if you upgrade the tensioner, I presume you must upgrade to the lower roller assembly that is used with that tensioner?

marton

According to the WSM the newer tensioner is OK, you just have to check that where it fits against the block there is a good oil tight fit; means the block is nice and flat.

Do you mean the idler roller? If you fit a new style water pump (with bracing bar) then i think you also have to fit the later roller.

Cheers

marton

Tom928

The lower roller assembly is a bearing that fits on a carriage assembly just below the crank gear. I have one on my 84 that the bearing was begining to seize on and I had to replace it. The assembly fits on two pins between the crank washers.

I don't think the 81 has this roller assembly or it is different. I just want to make sure that if I change the tensioner I get the right roller assembly to go with it - if it matters?

marton

Ah ha
No, you do not need that, I think Porsche had several attempts at re-designing that.

It was somehow intended to compensate for a loose T Belt. I never heard of anyone who found wear marks on that roller = I mean it never actually did anything.

I would be happy to be corrected by someone who can prove their facts....

Marton