1985 MB 3808 SL Chain Tensioner

[John Page]

I have had a couple of 380's and always have had the chains riddle and have replace four chains in two car and replaced tensioners at least four times.
Is there any way to retro a tensioner with a stronger spring and not have the ridddling when you start up.
Or even making a tensioner that is fixed and not oil pressure depend controlled.

 

[John Page]

O have just taken a part the tensioner and was thinking of changing the main spring to a heavier duty one.
Has anyone rework a tensioner? Will it work?
I was even thinking to change the tensioner to a namual adjustment by making my own tensioner with a heavier spring and an adjusting bolt.
Any ideas?

 

[WG M-B]

Usually a new chain and tensioner will cure your problem. Obviously you know the tensioners are set up before installation so how a heavier duty spring would benefit I cannot see

 

[johnsco]

I had a 380SE for 7 years.
No problem with either chain or tensioner ... and we did give it some use.

I would be very reluctant to alter chain spring tension.
Likeliehood of accelerated wear of chain components.
You may not hear it rattling ... But you might sure-as-hell hear it when it fails in service.