The Triumph Dolomite Club - Discussion Forum

They are supplied with a red plastic one. I dont think the dimension is that critical. It just has to be enough to push the pad down and release it so it springs up.

The really old OE type had a plug in the bottom through which you inserted and allen key to release the spring. Then you were sure...

You can try the push to release mechanism off the car easily enough so you get the feel for it.

Jonners

On some engines that I have rebuilt I find the tensioner is almost out of its tube so either there has been movement or the guides are deep grooved.

Hmm, regarding the tensioner spacer, the Leyland book says 2.5mm ( thereabouts ), the one with the tensioner measured 2.5mm, very old card one, just pushed the curved guide until the card spacer had light resistance then did up guide bolts. Big question is though how do you know the tensioner has released? No mention in book about that or checking it???? Don't think mine did but certainly did when I squeezed it prior to fitting. When all was tight I turned engine over ( minus its plugs ) so has it or hasn't it released....
Another tensioner I had has the latter red plastic spacer with raised studs, this was in excess of 3mm so didn't use it.

The add image thing works well with the phone, here's some more, feel free to put me right if errors noticed!

You can get the curved guide tighter on the chain than that. You have loads of adjustment left and its not even touching over the last section.

Jonners