Reliability of NEW auto tensioner - Honda Prelude Forum

khilgers · 10-31-2006, 08:57 PM

So obviously Honda knows that they screwed up when they designed the auto tensioner. So my ? is this, have they done something new to them to make them more reliable? I would assume they realized that they had an engineering flaw and now made the new ones differently. I'm still debating on whether to go with the auto or manual tensioner when I do my timing belt.

71dsp · 10-31-2006, 09:07 PM

I haven't had any timing belt jobs come back where I've used the new autotensioner. They changed them so long ago, that I really doubt any of the old PN are still in circulation. If you're using aftermarket valvetrain or cams, I'd still switch to a manual tensioner, though.

khilgers · 10-31-2006, 09:14 PM

nope, motors completely stock except for some minor bolt ons. I/H/E that's it and that's the way it's gonna stay. It's my daily driver now.

Solid · 10-31-2006, 09:16 PM

Go auto and change it when you do your timing belt

71dsp · 10-31-2006, 09:21 PM

When you do the timing belt job, replace the autotensioner. Make sure the PN ends in -013. The old PN ended in -003.

khilgers · 10-31-2006, 09:25 PM

Here is the part # my buddy gave me for the auto tensioner. He is getting me all of the parts at cost.

14520-P13-013

So since the car is mostly stock, I plan on selling it before I hit 100K and I am changing the timing belt at 70K the auto tensioner wouldn't be a bad choice. Just put it back together the way it was and move on????????

lude4lifeh22 · 10-31-2006, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71dsp

When you do the timing belt job, replace the autotensioner. Make sure the PN ends in -013. The old PN ended in -003.

+1

NAPrelude210 · 10-31-2006, 11:06 PM

Wait should I have swapped out the auto for the auto? I just did a swap for the Manual...hmmm.

marcucci · 11-01-2006, 12:15 PM

Do not ever reuse a tensioner. It will fail. This is pretty universal across all hondas with hyrdraulic tensioners.

I would recommend going manual. A little more expensive but worth the insurance IMHO.

NotoriouSH · 11-01-2006, 12:38 PM

I went with a manual even though I'm mostly stock. I'm wondering what the adjustment intervals are on it? In over a year of driving the belt tension is still like new and I don't have any weird noises like I did with the faulty auto tensioner.

o1ambre1o · 11-02-2006, 07:03 AM

I also went with a manual from all of the horror stories I heard. I thought I'd rather pay a little more and have the reliability of it.

Personal preferenace I assume.