ok so i just put a water pump on my b16. the engine is out of the car because i just ordered it and was going to do the water pump while it was out of the car since it would be easier. well my timing belt on the left side from the cam gear down to the crank gear has about 1 1/4 in play in it. that would be like 5/8 in each way. the tensioner is tight and every thing is right. should there be that much play in it or do i need a timing belt.

 

There shouldn't be that much play at all, it should be pretty snug. I know you said the tensioner was tight but did you happen to remove it completely while doing the water pump replacement? If so you could've maybe put the spring in the wrong way on the tensioner or your tensioner could be shot.

You can get OEM tensioners at prostreetonline or your local honda dealer.

 

you should have about 3/4" - 1" total play in it. After you reinstalled the belt, did you manually turn the motor 3-4 full rotations?