Timing Chain Tensioner Question?

Dana67Dart said

My 2 cents 'caus that's all I have. Whenever possible don't use a tensioner type timing chain. I had two engines (both Chevy might have had somthing to do with it) loose timing chains due to tensioner. One the tensioner disintegrated and the chain was able to skip a tooth. the other broke apart and ended up dropping a piece into the chain causing it to try to roll over the broken plastic bit breaking the chain.

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FWIW.... I've pulled a tensioner out of a 11 year old 4.7L where the rubbing block broke into pieces when it was pulled it out with normal handling; the normal engine heat had made it brittle so it was getting ready to let go. And the standard 1.9L Opel configuration was with an oil-pressure-adjusted tensioner; those never broke in a lot or racing experience but they sure wore down the blocks and I replaced them regularly.

So, IMHO, the above is a valid caution. I especially question aftermarket tensioners with non-OEM materials. Since these tensioners don't fix cam timing but merely steady it, I am not a big proponent of them; just another thing to fail.