Auto Tensioner Leaking

[pilotvp]

I recently changed the timing belt and all components to my 2008 Honda Pilot. I just noticed oil accumulating at the bottom of the auto tensioner, and checked the timing belts tension which I found to have less tension. After running the engine, the tension was normal. I have contacted the vendor for replacement tensioner. Have to use the car; however, what signs will it give me when the BELT is too loose for safe driving?

Attachments:

• Tensioner.pdf

Topic

[college man]

i don’t think the auto tensioner would have oil in it.
Doesn’t the oil pump live where the timing belt is?

[pilotvp]

The Honda dealership confirmed that the timing belt auto tensioner has oil in it. Unusual how a brand new part would leak. My concern is what signs will I get from the belt that tension is changing, while waiting for a new part?

[Rahul Jones]

I would never think of driving it. Better to be safe than sorry.

[pilotvp]

You all are correct and thanks. The new part is en-route. Will keep you posted. 😉 This was a Gates auto-tensioner that came with the timing belt kit. Heard good things about Gates, but this is concerning when their quality assurance is being compromised. In the future, just OEM for me!

[pilotvp]

I installed the new Aisin hydraulic tensioner from Gates. Has anyone had a bad timing belt tensioner from Gates, for a Honda Pilot,? :unsure:

[Tom]

For parts like that on a Honda, I never buy aftermarket. Check out majestic Honda online, their prices are very reasonable, often near, and sometimes even less than aftermarket stuff, and you are getting OEM quality parts.

[pilotvp]

Thanks for that info. Just wondering if Aisin and Koyo brands are OEM parts?

[quote=”Tomh” post=72468]For parts like that on a Honda, I never buy aftermarket. Check out majestic Honda online, their prices are very reasonable, often near, and sometimes even less than aftermarket stuff, and you are getting OEM quality parts.[/quote]

[Bill]

If the tensioner fails you will likely not get any warning before the timing belt jumps.

[EricTheCarGuy]

That’s a known problem even with the Honda part. In fact, in the J series V6 engine video that I did I recommend replacement of that type of tensioner every time the timing belt is done. That is the #1 cause of timing belt failures on that engine. There are 2 types of those tensioners. The one you have is the problem tensioner, the other is not a problem and can be reused as long as you have the special tool to keep it compressed as you install the timing belt.

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/vmanuals/22-vmanual-store/68-honda-j-series-timing-belt-replacement-vmanual

[pilotvp]

I purchased your VManual for that engine…great video!! The original factory timing belt tensioner was leaking on the forward side. I thought Honda’s Export Service bulletin 03-064 was supposed to have fixed that problem, since Aisin’s brand is OEM right?

[quote=”EricTheCarGuy” post=72844]That’s a known problem even with the Honda part. In fact, in the J series V6 engine video that I did I recommend replacement of that type of tensioner every time the timing belt is done. That is the #1 cause of timing belt failures on that engine. There are 2 types of those tensioners. The one you have is the problem tensioner, the other is not a problem and can be reused as long as you have the special tool to keep it compressed as you install the timing belt.

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/vmanuals/22-vmanual-store/68-honda-j-series-timing-belt-replacement-vmanual%5B/quote%5D

[EricTheCarGuy]

Yes Aisin is the OEM brand. I just did a belt on an 05 however and it still showed the same issue with the auto tensioner, so I’m not convinced the problem is solved. If you see that type of tensioner, I’d replace it.

[Author]

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