[alfa] Re: Mechanical tensioners and Market thinking

[Gerry & Lisa Lehmann <lehmann@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Yep, George Schweikle describes the common failure perfectly.  Although he did not receive much response from vendors, I found in my inquiries that the small spring failure is rampant, and the "improper installation" theory is weak.  I'm looking at a jumbo paper clip on my desk whose wire section is more stout than the spring wire on the tensioner.  George, does this look familiar?

http://home.san.rr.com/glehmann/V6-TensionerBreak.jpg

Food for thought on replacement car thinking.  If one uses the BMW 3 series as a reference point through time, it seems to me that the current G35 6 speed sedan falls into much the same position relative to a 3xx BMW as a Milano Verde did in its day. RWD, A little larger engine, a notably less expensive price point, and very balanced handling with close to 50/50 weight distribution (in the G35 due
to the relatively rearward placement of the V6).   I would have bought a 156 this year if there was one to buy, but having to punt, the G is working out just fine.

Gerry Lehmann
down to but one Alfa due to similar experience to George and Doug
'86 GTV6 3.0
'02 Audi S6 - timing belt on 90k interval
'04 G35 - with timing chain

> Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 07:35:39 -0500
> From: "George Schweikle" <schweikg@domain.elided>
> Subject: [alfa] Re: Mechanical tensioners
>
> Doug,
>
> My experience of a few years ago duplicated yours. When I removed a
> mechanical tensioner that failed one day after installation, I found the
> spring had broken in a straight area just inside the end that is swaged into
> the body (behind the idler pulley). Alfa Centro requested information about
> widespread failure of these tensioners several months ago, but nothing
> further has appeared. I have a friend who has done Alfa service for many
> years who claims to have a small barrel of failed mechanical tensioners that
> he replaced. I finally gave up in frustration, and had him install a Zat
> tensioner.
>
> George Schweikle
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