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Message: [QUOTE="Jaybird, post: 1017141, member: 22283"] Yes, if the spring loaded oem tensioner fails, it can be a mess. However, I can't say I've ever heard of one failing. If you are checking your valves on a regular basis, I think it would be easy to tell if the tensioner felt like it was getting ready to fail, or wasn't working properly. It should have a distinct slam when you turn it to release the load. Now, a spring loaded tensioner provides a progressive loading on the chain. In other words, as the chain loosens from wear, the spring loaded tensioner will compensate and move in with the chains loosening and progressively apply tension on the timing chain. The hard stop type of tensioner can only be adjusted to one setting. And when you run it in to place a bit of tension on a new chain, it will not move from that point. And even if the chain grows a bit from wear, it will simply get sloppy on the cam and crank sprockets, and will see less and less tension as it grows, as the tensioner is not moving in with it. If you mount up a hard stop type tensioner, be certain that you check it often and keep a good tension on the chain. Not super tight, but taught. I wouldn't trust myself with the damage that can occur from just a slight bit of neglect of the hard stop tensioner. I like the progressive tension the oem apparatus provides, and since the anecdotes of them failing seems to be few..or void...I opt to use the stock part. [/QUOTE]