i always use INA tensioners,oe quality £11 for the tensioner and continental or gates belts
Bert
Ok, so I just got my new tensioner in and it has a fair amount of play in it! I could have sworn when I changed the tensioner the last time the pulley was tight with no perceptible play, but I have been wrong in the past. Anyone got one on hand? Mine has about 1mm of side to side play, but none radially. I suppose now I have an extra 
I just checked a new SKF in the box, and it is snugg. No play. We have put on a bunch of them with no problems.
I did the Conitech (Continental) tensioner and belt kit when I did mine... reasonably cheap (I think it was like $30 for the tensioner and belt together) and it's made in Germany... Even has the VW part numbers on the bits!
I did the Conitech (Continental) tensioner and belt kit when I did mine... reasonably cheap (I think it was like $30 for the tensioner and belt together) and it's made in Germany... Even has the VW part numbers on the bits!
Wow Man where do you buy that ?
that kit is $65-80 USD down here, plus shipping.
While it is not a 1.6td, I had an the original tensioner fail on a 92 Eurovan at less than 90k miles. I was doing 75 on the interstate and needless to say it resulted in an instantaneous and catastrophic engine failure. So, I guess that (1) just because it's German does not mean it will last forever anymore and (2) check them/replace them frequently. It is expensive when the little buggers fail.
Ok, so I just got my new tensioner in and it has a fair amount of play in it! I could have sworn when I changed the tensioner the last time the pulley was tight with no perceptible play, but I have been wrong in the past. Anyone got one on hand? Mine has about 1mm of side to side play, but none radially. I suppose now I have an extra
I just checked a new SKF in the box, and it is snugg. No play. We have put on a bunch of them with no problems.
Great, now I have two SKF tensioners that I don't trust...... Guess I'll just cut my losses, and see if I can find a Conti somewhere.
Great, now I have two SKF tensioners that I don't trust...... Guess I'll just cut my losses, and see if I can find a Conti somewhere.
Thats why i'm trying to find the best local deal/supplier.
We all know nothing beats holding and inspecting an item before paying. And being able to drive a few miles for a no hassle return if final inspections fail is comforting and convenient.
Online-distant purchases/returns are becoming more and more difficult to receive total satisfaction. And you just about always lose roundtrip shipping at minimum.
I know SKF is or has been a reputable brand.
Not campaigning against them in any form, just in case it might appear that way to anyone.
I'm just tired of spending money with people who don't give a *** after their merchandise or services are found unacceptable.
Good luck to you soon, idgtd.
I did the Conitech (Continental) tensioner and belt kit when I did mine... reasonably cheap (I think it was like $30 for the tensioner and belt together) and it's made in Germany... Even has the VW part numbers on the bits!
Wow Man where do you buy that ?
that kit is $65-80 USD down here, plus shipping.
I think I got it through autopartsonlinecanada.com... Just looked today though and it's more like $60. A lot of their prices have gone up over the past while... Still, damn good value in terms of piece of mind.
The Dayco/Dayco from AdvAuto is a twin to the Duralast/Dayco from A.Zone. Got it today.
The Cloyes unit from O'Reily should be in Monday.
They make great timing gear stuff for Pontiacs and Chevs .....