I'm Kinda new to Honda's and I have heard some stuff recently about the auto tensioners. I have a 98 Prelude automatic and I know these are interference engines so I really want to be in the know about this. How often is it necessary to change the auto tenesioner? Should it be done every time the T-Belt is replaced?

 

What some guys are doing is converting it over to a manual tensioner to eliminate the failure of the auto tensioner. The cost is roughly the same as a new auto tensioner.

 

You should replace the autotensioner when you do a timing belt job. Any timing belt job I've done where the autotensioner is not replaced has come back to me. Since I've been insisting on replacing the autotensioner along with the timing belt and water pump, I have yet to have one come back.

There's nothing wrong using with the autotensioner, but replace it when you do the timing belt.

As for the manual tensioner, it's a very good solution, but make sure you tension the belt according to procedure. People tend to put way too much tension on the timing belt with the manual tensioner.

 

Thanks guys. Very helpful!