i would like to know if this person is correct on how to compress the auto tensioner before being able to re-install. please LMK if he is right. thanx


"In order to do the timing belt right you need to get the proper tool to compress the auto tensioner. You have to remove the auto tensioner, then on the bottom of the tensioner there is a small bolt that you have to remove, make sure you hold that end up. Once you remove that bolt you will see a small flat head screw inside the hole, use a small flat head and back the screw out, as you do this the piston on the tensioner will come up with the screw. if you don't have the tool then you have to come up with some way to hold it in place until you can put it back on. once you have it held in place replace the small bolt and place the tensioner back on the block, you can then release it and it will properly tension your belt. If you do not do this and you put it back on fully extended it will over tension your belt and eventually it will break. trust me i learned this the hard way."

 

The way he describes it seems right. Don't tip the Auto Tensioner upside down when you have the bolt off the tensioner; otherwise, oil will spill out.

 

yeah if any oil spills you should replace it! the tool hes talking about is a "C" shaped metal tab that slips over the tensioner once it is compressed so you can bolt it to the block. then it slips off the tensioner to tighten the timing belt. I think I used a zip tie for mine haha

 

If your going to go to the trouble of replacing the timing belt, your better off just switching to the manual tensionor.

Its like 100 bucks for a brand new set from honda.

The auto tensionor fail after awhile.

Doesnt mean yours will, means it can.

 

i always recommend people to switch to the manual tensioner simply because of how much easier it is to install and re-install the manual one.

 

90% of the time, when I have taken off the auto tensioner, the break.

listen to the guys advising you to swap with the manual tensioner.

its a VERY smart thing to do.

 

ditto my auto tensioner has failed twice already my car has 160000 miles. The last time it failed I took things apart to fix it and my belt was way too tight and half way off my cam gears. So I switched to manuel its pretty simple except when it comes to getting the belt over the tensioner; But it does work it will be tight but not as tight as when the auto tensioner fails.

 

i agree with changing to the manual tensioner, just dont have the cash right now, but once i do i will definetley change over. so which way should the bolt be pointing when i unscrew it, up or down?

 

FYI on the autotensioner
The autotensioner failures were ON THE '93 to '98 H22 MODELS ONLY.
This part was superceded* for the 99-01 years.
The only new autotensioner available FOR ALL YEARS 93-01 is the superceded one
http://www.hondapartsnow.com/genuine...0-P13-013.html
14520-P13-013 ADJUSTER, AUTOMATIC $74.77
So even if you were to order the 'OLD' one (14520-P13-003) you will receive the 'new' (superceded part# 14520-P13-013)

*supercede = to set aside, a replacement (i.e. a newer improved design part with a different part# to replace the old failure prone one)

 

mitchell have a TSB on that?

 

yes
01-010 JANUARY 2001 Engine - Flapping Noise Between 1,800 & 2,600 RPM

 

The malfunctioning tensioner was used up till 2000. 01 Preludes got the updated version from the factory.

Here's the tsb:

http://www.in.honda.com/Rjanisis/pubs/SB/A01-010.PDF

Getting the timing belt on with the manual tensioner is an absolute pita and my belt skipped after a few years even with it.

 

Can someone clarify please, you remove the bolt to get at the screw to retract the piston thing, then you replace the bolt and fit the tensioner to the block. Once fitted, do you need to remove the bolt again? If so wont the oil spill out?

 

you turn the screw till the piston is in the tensioner enough to slip on the special tool/clamp. then you install the bolt and then bolt the tensioner onto the engine. Once installed and belt on you wiggle off the tool/clamp. Done

 

Use the manual tensioner-far less problems PERIOD!