We were replacing the timing and balance belts today when we ran into a problem. The timing tensioner was leaking oil so we contacted Honda to find out what was wrong. Well unfortunately the oil helps the tensioner maintain tension so if its leaking it needs to be replaced. And of course they don't stock it because its an unusual needed part. Has anyone else run into this problem? From what I understand this is very uncommon.

 

It is vary common. You should change the tensioner everytime your belt needs to be replaced (every 90,000 Miles)

Its like $80 bucks, for the tensioner

 

You should buy a tensioner through Honda. This will come with the "tool" that you'll need to hold compress the tensioner so you can reinstall it.

If you tip the tensioner upside down, it'll leak oil. NORMAL. Remove the bolt on the bottom of the tensioner and turn the screw in. Feel smooth? If yes, then you have a good tensioner. If it binds, then you'll need a new one. Pour some 10w40 back in there.

But then again, for around $80.00 for the tensioner, it's a good investment NOW than later.