hey guys i have a 99 prelude with the h22 in it and I replaced the water pump, oil pump and timing belt but the problem is, I can't get this auto tensioner to work. So technically i dont have the timing belt on. So my question is, how do i get this stupid auto tensioner on or adjust it to loosen so i can put this back on? Please help!!

-Thanks in advance

Doau

 

Oh yeah Just wondering if i have to press it as well? thanks let me know.

 

If you use the search feature you will find quite a few threads which cover
the process of getting the timing belt on, however, a lot of people take the
opportunity to convert to the manual tensioner off of the h23 when they are
replacing the timing belt on the h22. The manual tensioner is more reliable
and if you have the time and funds i would recommend you consider changing
to one. There are a few write up covering the conversion process too.

 

there is suppose to be a small bracket like tool/piece that comes with the auto tensioner when you buy a new one. this tool keeps the tensioner compressed while you install the tensioner. if you're reusing your old one, i strongly suggest you get a new one through honda. although, its better to convert over to the manual tensioner from the h23. but if you do not want to spend the extra money on that setup i would not reuse an old auto tensioner. im not sure if honda adressed the failing auto tensioner problem we all hear about but i think a brand new one will hold up just fine if you install it correctly. the part # for that tool through honda is: 14540-P8A-A01.......... now to install that tensioner into that tool you will notice a bolt on the bottom of the tensioner. you will remove the bolt and notice a small flat head like screw. when you rotate that flat head screw you will notice the piston in the auto tensioner moving downward. once its all the way down replace the bolt you removed.MAKE SURE YOU INSTALL THE TENSIONER INTO PLACE WITH THE PISTON FULLY COMPRESSED. in other words, if you install the tensioner while the shaft is fully extended into place on your timing belt it will not properly tension the belt...and you can kiss your engine goodbye. this is where a lot of people fu@k up and why most convert over to the h23 tensioner. good luck

 

Yes, the auto tensioner was revised. I have heard you can no longer get just the tool from Honda (possibly to prevent people from re-using old tensioners); new tensioners come with it. If you pull the bolt out, make sure the bolt is facing upwards (plunger facing down), otherwise you will spill out the oil inside, of which there is not much. Technically, then, when you tighten the screw inside, the plunger will move up; I suppose the best term here would be that it retracts to avoid confusion. I don't know about anyone else, but even with the plunger completely retracted I can barely get my t-belt on without a fair bit of work, so I can't even imagine trying it with the plunger out (GReddy t-belt, though, not Honda). As mentioned, get a new tensioner, it's the same principle as getting a new water pump when you change your t-belt, there is just no reason to re-use the old one, especially the originals.

 

oh yeah, forgot to mention the fluid inside. if that fluid does spill out, it can be replaced (correct me if i am wrong) with regular engine oil. thanks for covering that bro

 

ok cool guys i'll be trying to work something out with my brother on this. thanks for your help and i'll keep you updated.

 

Yes, you can. The manual specifies how much; I don't remember off the top of my head, but it's not very much, like 1oz, so that's why it's just easier to be careful with it and not spill any. But in the unlikely event that you do, you can definitely put a few drops in; I'm guessing it's just for lubrication anyway since the auto tensioner is spring actuated.

 

No sir! You're not suppose to use engine oil, only brake fluid.

 

did you get that out of the helms manual??

 

Use a new tensioner or replace the system with a manual version.

 

The manual says to use hydraulic fluid.

 

well there ya go

 

And, Just so you know brake fluid is in fact hydraulic fluid. Thank u very much.