I'm just trying to figure out these tensioners a bit. Everybody knows that they fail, but not too many people are clear WHY. Checking mine over, the rod was the only part that appeared to have any wear in it at all, and I'm curious as to how to prevent it, if possible.
I'm not going to say I'm an expert at metallurgy, or even mechanical theory. I just think it'd be nice to find a way to easily repair what's already there, and preserve the option for people looking to keep their 1300 as stock as possible without grenading the motor. (It's a fun thought exercise, at least)