Hello All,

 

I've read through all the threads concerning Timing Belt replacements, and have noticed some conflicting info. concerning the tensioner and the idlers. I have a Phase II 2.5 engine for which the replacement intervals are 105K miles, and, thanks to this invaluable forum, I am up to date on all other items that should be replaced: i.e. water pump, T-stat and seal, cam seals (2), crank (seal), and oil pump service. But some say that they've never seen a T-belt tensioner go bad while others have seen them fail.

 

I have two questions: 1)How do you check if the idlers are ok, aside from making sure that they're rolling smoothly when the belt is off?

The Phase II 2.5 engine has 3 idlers, 1 cogged roller and 2 smooth rollers.

2) Will the tensioner hold up until the 2nd T-Belt replacement at 210K miles (I imagine that either the the smooth roller or the spring-loaded pin could go on this assembly)? If you've replaced these items, please inidcate the mileage at which they were done.

 

My driving habits are pretty conservative, with longevity and gas mileage in mind rather than performance. I drive about 50/50 highway/city. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

but on my car I had both water pump and tensioner changed at 90,000. the results are too catestrophic on an interference engine to take a chance for me.

Some folks say a water pump lasts 200,000 and a tensioner can do that too. Not on my car.

but on my car I had both water pump and tensioner changed at 90,000. the results are too catestrophic on an interference engine to take a chance for me.

Some folks say a water pump lasts 200,000 and a tensioner can do that too. Not on my car.

I am definitely changing the water pump - they failed at around 100K on previous Hondas my family has owned - and, you're right, I wouldn't want to chance it with these engines. Even if water pump failure does not result in valve train damage, I would rather not flush the cooling system more often than the 30K-mile intervals.

if it goes the engine goes south. Can you say bent valves? where is Mr. Rodgers now that we need him?

I think your choice of changing it is money well spent.

After second belt, change all of them. Mine went out at 288,000 miles cost me an engine.

After second belt, change all of them. Mine went out at 288,000 miles cost me an engine.

Cool -- that's exactly what I'm planning to do, unless I get more advice to the contrary. Thanks, though I am sorry that this advice comes at the expense of your engine, especially as you were just shy of the 300K-mile mark.