hey guys im doing a t-belt swap on a 99 prelude and i need to know how or if you can get the auto tensioner compressed and keep it there without the special braket tool that Honda has.

 

thats one of the things that sucks about the auto tensioner, among other things. you are probably better off spending the $50+ or so on the manual tensioner and bolts while you are in there. cheap insurance and you dont need a special tool to adjust

 

well we were hoping to get the car finished tonight...not really looking to order a manual tensioner.

 

well i didnt need any expensive tools for that. i used zip tie to lock it tight and hold it until i put it back then cut the zip tie off. easy..

 

you do know that the chances of the autotensioner failing are high due to the fact that you are reusing it.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Prelude951 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">well i didnt need any expensive tools for that. i used zip tie to lock it tight and hold it until i put it back then cut the zip tie off. easy.. </TD></TR></TABLE>



same thing I did...

 

yeah a guy at work said to do the zip tie thing too...i guess if i cant come up with the tool tonight thats what i'll use. Thanks guys!

 

unscrew, c-clamp... and either zipties or some wire. ie coat hanger maybe.


thats what i did last time. but i would reuse the auto tensioner. i did it for someone else and they wanted to reuse it

 

I have re-used several of them. I think the issue has more to do with aftermarket cams/springs. Make sure it has some oil in it when you take the plug out to turn the screw. It should move smoothly as well.

 

i do the zip tie thing as well, and have reused just about everyone that i have ever touched. i always add a little extra oil as well before I put the screw back in it, since i usually spill some oil when i open it.

 

i'm trying the zip tie method and its just not working. it wont hold tight enough then just slips off and lets the tesioner expand. I am putting the tie on the plunger and and then around one of the mounting ears of the tensioner...and advise for this?