Timing belt and tensioner question - Honda Prelude Forum

Knack · 08-17-2010, 12:28 PM

Just purchased my 96 Gen4 Si over the weekend and don't regret it.

In the process of replacing the ac compressor and dryer but I also need to do the timing belt as at 135k miles I have no idea of the previous maintenance history.

From searching, it looks like the 2 tensioners are manual. The questions is do they need to be replaced when I replace the timing and balance belts?

For replacement parts (belts and water pump) is there a preferred vendor or web site that everyone prefers? It appears that packages include belts and tensioners or belts, tensioners, and water pump and seals. I'd prefer to purchase a package but if I don't need the tensioners then I might be able to save a few pennies.

Thanks guys. Great site.

Tyler's 1st Car · 08-17-2010, 09:15 PM

I'm in the researching stage of this myself for Tylers car.
I buy most parts from my local Napa dealer.
I have a good relationship with them and they discount my parts, depending on the parts I need of course.
Some things they cant knock much off.
They have a nice kit available which includes the water pump, belts, tensioners.
I'm steering towards their kit.
I believe with this procedure, you get what you pay for.
So - what's the concensus on this one guy's and gals?
Do the water pump when you've got it torn down - or skip it?
Chime in - we need to learn the right way to work on these Ludes...

indylude18 · 08-17-2010, 09:20 PM

You might as well do the water pump while you've got everything else taken apart. It's not that expensive, and it's a PITA to get to otherwise. As for the t-belt, go to a Honda dealer or use a website like majestic. No questions asked. It's not worth the risk to save a few bucks. If that belt goes, your head/valves go with it.

Tyler's 1st Car · 08-17-2010, 10:34 PM

That's why I asked - Great input - Thank you.
Now with going with OEM - do you think that it may be comparable to Napas
NBH Timing Component Kit & TFW Water Pump
Product Line: Water Pump Kits

Part Number: WPK WPK41047
Unit Price:193.99
Features & Benefits Offers Customers The Best & Most Complete Repair Solution By Including Timing Belts, Pulleys & Tensioners As Well As Water Pumps. Saves Time & Money By Preventing Costly Returns & Warranties.; Vehicles w/ Timing Belt Driven Water Pumps Should Always Have The Water Pump Replaced When The Timing Belt Is Replaced.
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I havent hit that Majestic site that you referenced yet - but I wanted your feedback on comparing what I can get at Napa VS. Majestic / local dealer.
I have had such good luck dealing with Napa, that I have a hard time shelling out coin to my local stealer / dealer...
Thank you for your comments and time - Jeff

Knack · 08-18-2010, 07:35 AM

If you have the H23A1 engine like I do, with the manual tensioners from the factory, do they need to be replaced when replacing the belts? It seems that I am only seeing problems with the autotensioners with the older engines.

If so, I guess I'd be looking for a timing and balance belt, plus water pump kit.

indylude18 · 08-18-2010, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyler's 1st Car

Now with going with OEM - do you think that it may be comparable to Napas
NBH Timing Component Kit & TFW Water Pump

I havent hit that Majestic site that you referenced yet - but I wanted your feedback on comparing what I can get at Napa VS. Majestic / local dealer.

If you go through a dealership (Majestic Honda is a parts dealer with good prices) you will be getting OEM quality Honda parts. If you go through NAPA, you will more than likely walk out the door with lower quality parts. It's that the NAPA belt will fail the moment you put it on, but it may not hold up as well is the OEM one as it wears.

Here is the link for Majestic: Honda Automotive Parts

Here is a good site to find part numbers: Honda Prelude Parts and Accessories at hondapartsnow.com You can buy from them as well, but they sell everything close to list price so you might as well go to the local stealership instead to save on shipping.

Another alternative is IRP Import Replacement Parts | Import Performance & OEM Parts , which is a site sponsor here and user Mike95lude runs the site. They won't have Honda branded parts, but there is a good chance they will have the same part direct from whoever makes it for Honda. Might want to shoot him a PM if you don't want to go the Honda route.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knack

If you have the H23A1 engine like I do, with the manual tensioners from the factory, do they need to be replaced when replacing the belts? It seems that I am only seeing problems with the autotensioners with the older engines.

I'm pretty sure that you do not have to change the manual tensioner. Hopefully somebody will chime in to confirm that. Sadly, I'm still rocking the auto tensioner FTL.

Knack · 08-18-2010, 09:26 AM

Thanks for the links. I'll check Mike's site out as well as Majestics.

I've had my 96 for less that 6 days and only drive her home. Itching to get her back on the road.

skyyskyy · 08-18-2010, 10:03 AM

Saving a few dollars on something like a wheel bearing or ignition coil is one thing, if it goes out no big deal lesson lerned and buy a better brand. A timing belt is just not worth that risk. Other than oem i think the only other accepted belt is from greddy, also after tons of reading researching my auto to manual tensioner conversion yes you should change the pulleys when doing a belt change. The bearings in the pulley get worn out over time and can freeze up or wobble and cause the belt to be out of alignment(think wheel bearing), it's like stated above with the water pump if your going to open everthing up you might as well to all the maitnence now and not worry later. What good is that new timing belt if a pulley freezes up or crank,cam,or balancer seal is leaking oil all over it? It would just be safer to assume that it has not been touched in 14 years then to find out on the highway later.

Mañana · 08-31-2010, 09:27 PM

Congratulations on your purchase, gotta love the Prelude.

I recently did a tonne (a metric tonne that is) of research on aftermarket parts.

Honda buys many their parts from other manufacturers. There are a number of very reputable OE manufacturers that will save you a lot of money without having Honda as a middleman.

Check out this thread and order smart.
Aftermarket Parts Quality?

GReddy belts, although no doubt very good, are overkill for a stock engine.

When I pulled off my Timing Belt cover I found a Koyo tensioner, so it truly is an OE product.

Definitely do the Water Pump at the same time, $43.61 is not a big gamble.

PM me If you want price comparisons, albeit for a 5th Gen. IRP was awesome for me, highly recommended.

Knack · 09-01-2010, 07:21 AM

I ordered everything that I needed from Mike based on his recommendations.

Made the order last Friday morning, 8/27, and received the parts Monday, 8/30.

Looks like I'll be busy this holiday weekend.