Dictys

I found out that the garage which replaced my timing belt and water, seems to have just cut the timing belt warning light and put it to ground. On reconnection the warning light comes on. On discussion they cannot say whether or not the tensioner was rebuilt (I suspect not), so I am nervous the belt is evened tensioned correctly.

So this is a good opportunity to learn how the timing belt tension is set and check the working of the tensioner. I have ordered a tensioner measuring device from 928 Intl.

However, one item puzzles me, the tensioner oil.

What is this oil and where can I find it or its equvilent? (things out here are hard to find).

Thanks in advance

James Bailey

uses standard engine oil...nothing special.

Hilton

For some odd reason I have it stuck in my head that its supposed to be 75W90? (same as the diff oil)

Or that could just be what I used the first time I did one and it became tradition :P

edit: Aha.. a quick search of the manual turns up that its supposed to be transmission oil SAE90 (page 15-21).

atb

You'll need to order the gasket (30) and a new boot 23 (don't know why they call it a roller on the pet). Once you take it apart inspect the washers to make sure they are all intact. If the oil has leaked out they have a tendency to break. Take note of the stack order on reassembly.

MainePorsche

A 90 weight gear oil (80w90). See 'Timing Belt Tension' (with capital 'B') by Plumley on 928 International Site. I used this for my first tensioner servicing.

Landseer

Stan is recommending STP oil treatment, that way you get the heat transfer without the sulfur smell.

But I'm using gear oil in most of them.

the flyin' scotsman

IIRC Porsche changed the specified oil from gear to motor oil or vice versa but dont recall the MY......need more research.

To remove all concern have a Pkensioner fitted; no tensioning and no oil leaks

WallyP

I need to update that...

On the earlier tensioners where you pour the oil in, Porsche specified gear oil. On the later tensioners, where you have "bleed nipples", engine oil is specified. Not too much difference except for the smell.

SteveG

I hope you can find another shop that will at least inform you if they can't complete the job.

davek9

I used the same oil that was in the engine on my '85, it needs to be checked at a min of yearly, most I've seen were dry. Then the tensioner gets stuck (frozen) won't de-tension and bad things start to happen.

Install the Porkentensioner and say good-by to that whole mess

MainePorsche

Thanks Wally. Didn't know this specification for later years. Though, this is but one reason I am considering installing a PK unit.

And,

Dictys you need to get a different garage, or better yet, do it yourself. Intentionally grounding out the warning unit on a TB is blasphemy in your MY.

jeff spahn

Install the PKtensioner. You can easily do it yourself.

ROG100

Engine oil - in my case 15w 50. Updated from gear oil - Wally would confirm this as well as Jim B. Update he already did 8>)

Tension check using the Kempf tool ($58.95)

MainePorsche

Hey Roger,
Thanks for the timely dampener. I have 35k to go until a new TB - just curious on the cost of a PK unit/with air pump.

James Bailey

As I recall 90 wt gear oil is about the same viscosity as 30 wt engine oil just has the smelly sulfer additive.....