how long do tc tensioners last?

[JHZR2]

Hello,

Just curious how long timing chain tensioners last.

Sometimes at very cold startup, i get a growl for maybe half a second when what I believe to be the tensioner pressurizes.  My oil light goes out right away, so I get pressure instantaneously.  

I have an M44 tensioner in my M42, as it is supposedly an upgrade.  I only get noise when it is really cold, and it is so short, that perhaps I need not worry.  However, from reading this site, it seems that the chain/guides can be a potential issue, especially if the tensioner is not maintained well.

Ive only seen one failure of the guides on the OM617 MB diesels in w123 cars.  it crumbled... but after >20 years and >250k miles... Im looking to get about that from my M42.

JMH

[DaveM-sport]

Timing chains usually tend to start showing signs of wear at around 100000-140000 miles in the M42

[JHZR2]

Thanks!  Is there a good way of determining "stretch", i.e. wear on the chain on an M42?  Its really easy to do on my MB diesels, via lineup of marks on the cam tower and reading a value inscribed to the harmonic balancer.  

What are the signs of wear noted at that mileage range?  Is it merely in terms of decreased power and economy, or is there something else?

Thanks!

JMH

[sheepdog]

Chains can last that long IF the tensioner is kept up.

Most are recommending 40k for the tensioner.