I have a 96 prelude h22a1 I had the waer pump and timing belt replaced but saving money I took it to a freind of a freind and like 2 months later it broke down on me. I have it tore down and cant see any visual problems yet i havent pulled the crank or anyhting yet. the only visual damage I can see so far was the balancer belt. when it died it had a distinctive metalic rattling noise and i tried to crank it only once since then and againa metalic rattling noise. any help in getting me pointed in the right direction would be appreciated I'm really a novice at this but I'm learning. thanks

 

If it rattles, there is a good chance you bent some valves. If you have the ability to do a leak down test that will help identify the problem. Most likely your going to have to pull the head.

 

i'll check it out thanks

 

u better hope it's not the bottom end. because i had the same problem with mines and turned out to be that noise that u are hearing could be the bottom end.

 

Did he reuse the auto tensioner?

 

he did use the auto tensioner.