Rep Power: 0

TLDR: Is there any easy way of accessing the timing belt tensioner bolt to check torque?

Hello, 8 months ago I did a timing belt replacement on my 2001 civic lx coupe. Everything was going ok but I was using my dads crusty torque wrench (huge mistake) and I over torqued my tensioner bolt, stripping the threads. I thought about tapping by hand since a drill wouldn't clear (even a right angle drill, the bit itself was too long) but realized that there was a good amount of space past the stripped threads that was good. I got a longer grade 8 bolt from a bolt distributor and it seemed to do the trick. But I did not have a proper torque wrench so using a 1/2 inch drive ratchet socket with a 17 mm (the hex size of the new bolt) I tightened it down and put close to half (maybe more) as much force as I would on a drain bolt because I was scared it would strip again. For the 8 months the car is running great, but I'm planning on doing more things to the car, and alongside the restless nights wondering if all is ok, I just can't spend anymore money without knowing if the bolt will hold. Is there an easy way to access the tensioner bolt without the usual disassembly of the alternator, ps pump etc. Obviously if the bolt strips I would tear everything apart again and just retap, or get a new engine. Thanks in advance for any help.

 
Rep Power: 224

I think you're out of luck there. If I'm not mistaken the tensioner is behind the lower belt cover which would require at least the crank pulley to be removed. I think you could then get the lower cover off. Even then you'd be lucky to get a torque wrench in there with the engine mount in the way.

So it's been running for 8 months without any issue? Sounds like it will be okay to me.

 
Rep Power: 512

valve cover needs to be removed, or at least loosened. Upper timing cover needs to come off, as does the crank pulley. Then you can take the lower timing cover off to access the bolt. IIRC the only thing on the tensioner you can access with the timing covers on is the grenade pin

 
Rep Power: 0

I was planning on maybe using a hole saw, or chiseling out where the bolt is and just reaching in to torque, and then covering with gorilla tape after. Not the most elegant solution but at 285 000 km, I don't foresee another timing belt change. I would have to be super careful of course so as to not break the belt but maybe I'll just bite the bullet and disassemble properly.

 
Rep Power: 512

That's what I'd do. Take the extra time, rent the pulley removal tool, and do it right the first time. Avoid complications in the future