Ok, I just recently bought a 98 prelude vtec. When idle or when i let off the gas it makes a very distinct purring sound. So I start the car, while in idle i pop the hood and notice that the sound is coming from somewhere around the timing belt. I just got finished replacing the 2 timing belts, water pump, and some oil caps but the sound is still there...Can anyone help me?

 

Auto tensioner is fucked up or the belt is walking and rubbing the timing covers!

 

you might want to replace the auto tensioner with a manual tensioner

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by h8trix &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">you might want to replace the auto tensioner with a manual tensioner</TD></TR></TABLE>

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by shdriver99 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Auto tensioner is fucked up or the belt is walking and rubbing the timing covers!</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

is the auto tensioners something extremely serious, or is it ok to drive for about a week?

 

if the autotensioner fails, you pistons will bend all ur valves, and it will cost you more than 100 bux for a new autotensioner

here's an idea, you might want to convert to the manual tensioner

 

what are the advantages/disadvantages to a manual tensioners vs. auto tensioners?

 

bump

 

manual tensioner is more reliable and predictable. however for the cost of a new manual tensioner you can get all new valves, springs and an auto tensioner.

not worth it IMHO, but many seem to think it is.

 

With 5100 post you'd think you'd know what you're talking about. The manual tensioner is 52 bucks from honda. All the other various parts, bolts, springs can be bought and still be cheaper than changing the autotensioner! Since when were valves cheap?

**edit** Put in stage 2 or 3 cams and tell me it's not worth it!

 

very true. Just swap to a manual tensioner and you won't have to ever worry about it going out on you. With the manual tensioner, it makes it a little harder to put the T-belt on, but its worth it at the end. You probably wont' bend any valves, but you do risk it if you auto tensioner does go out on you.