Rep Power: 168

Im booked for Monday to get my timing belt done at a honda specialist but something he said struck me as odd, he said that on my car they dont usually change the tensioner unless its worn but i thought it was supposed to be changed out at the same time ,im not a mechanic so im not sure if i should insist on it being changed or not change it out
its a 2004 civic si(ex) with 120000km

thanks for your imput

 
Rep Power: 200

I didn't change mine when I did it 30k ago. BUT with that said, my own car; more than paid off and for itself. If the tensioner does let go it is an interference engine and will most likely bend valves. Cheap insurance part? If I was doing it for a customer...

1. The customers are paying for parts anyway
2. If the worst does happen, the mechanic wouldn't be liable for a part, he would for the head work to fix the bent valves though....

This says nothing about his abilities however, replacement is a mechanics judgement when it comes down to it, BUT see above again...

Just to muddy the water even more, almost ALL OEMs tell you to replace it when the belt is done. In actuality a very small percentage actually do though.

 
Rep Power: 518

In my neck of the woods, the factory tensioner has normally been good for well past 200,000 miles.

I don't routinely replace them until over 150,000 miles (the 2nd or 3rd timing belt job).


I will never install an aftermarket tensioner. Far too many premature failures.
Too much risk of severe engine damage for me to rely on a cheapazz pulley from ChinaZone.....

 
Rep Power: 518

They scream long and loud when you call wanting another $100+ on top of the already high quote.


Honda just says to inspect it, and gives some procedures....

Even if it is ok at the moment, the BIG question should be, "Will it last until the next timing belt job?"

 
Rep Power: 168

ok thanks for the imput guys

 
Rep Power: 200

No, kidding, been on the mechanic end and the office end of that one...