V6 Honda – Auto Timing Belt Adjusters?

[greg bolten]

I’ll be working on a 2006 V6 Honda which uses the longer “grenade” style automatic adjuster for the timing belt. My question is, can the earlier short style automatic adjuster from a 1999 be used to replace the longer style? Has anyone attempted this with success? Appreciate anyone’s time who is willing to respond.

Topic

[EricTheCarGuy]

I don’t think you can unless you also change the idler. It is true that the longer style is prone to leaking however the short style is often mishandled causing problems with that one. To answer your question I think you can you just need to change the idler as well as the auto tensioner.

[-=Col.Mantras=-]

I recommend replacing the tensioner with whatever came stock on the vehicle. Just replace the tensioner with the belt and waterpump and you won’t have any issues.

You may be risking piston to valve contact if you start substituting parts from one model year to another.

Cheers

[EricTheCarGuy]

[quote=”-=Col.Mantras=-” post=32726]I recommend replacing the tensioner with whatever came stock on the vehicle. Just replace the tensioner with the belt and waterpump and you won’t have any issues.

You may be risking piston to valve contact if you start substituting parts from one model year to another.

Cheers[/quote]

There are 2 types of tensioners for that engine, one (the grenade) is crap and it would be wise to swap it out for the other style that ALSO comes on that engine. The better style uses a retaining clip to hold tension when you install it. It has nothing to do with the valves or any issues with the engine just the timing belt tension.

[-=Col.Mantras=-]

[quote=”EricTheCarGuy” post=32820][quote=”-=Col.Mantras=-” post=32726]I recommend replacing the tensioner with whatever came stock on the vehicle. Just replace the tensioner with the belt and waterpump and you won’t have any issues.

You may be risking piston to valve contact if you start substituting parts from one model year to another.

Cheers[/quote]

There are 2 types of tensioners for that engine, one (the grenade) is crap and it would be wise to swap it out for the other style that ALSO comes on that engine. The better style uses a retaining clip to hold tension when you install it. It has nothing to do with the valves or any issues with the engine just the timing belt tension.[/quote]

I’ve done hundreds of these belts, and only 2 later style tensioners have been leaking at the time of the service. You’re correct Eric that one is a better design for sure, but the other one will do the job just fine as well. I suppose my answer should have been that you can use a 99 timing kit on a 2006, but in my professional opinion the difference is negligible.

When it comes to timing components, I never reuse them. For a Honda, you must use a Honda OEM waterpump, but you can use an aftermarket kit for the rest. (they’re pretty much all made by Gates Co. and rebranded) While I haven’t tried it, I would think that the older style short tensioner coupled with the newer style smaller idler pulley would cause a slack belt that could jump time and cause PTV contact. His question was can he use a 99 tensioner on an 06. Yes you can provided you also replace the idler with that of a 99. But *I* wouldn’t bother. Just my $0.02.

[EricTheCarGuy]

[quote=”-=Col.Mantras=-” post=32847][quote=”EricTheCarGuy” post=32820][quote=”-=Col.Mantras=-” post=32726]I recommend replacing the tensioner with whatever came stock on the vehicle. Just replace the tensioner with the belt and waterpump and you won’t have any issues.

You may be risking piston to valve contact if you start substituting parts from one model year to another.

Cheers[/quote]

There are 2 types of tensioners for that engine, one (the grenade) is crap and it would be wise to swap it out for the other style that ALSO comes on that engine. The better style uses a retaining clip to hold tension when you install it. It has nothing to do with the valves or any issues with the engine just the timing belt tension.[/quote]

I’ve done hundreds of these belts, and only 2 later style tensioners have been leaking at the time of the service. You’re correct Eric that one is a better design for sure, but the other one will do the job just fine as well. I suppose my answer should have been that you can use a 99 timing kit on a 2006, but in my professional opinion the difference is negligible.

When it comes to timing components, I never reuse them. For a Honda, you must use a Honda OEM waterpump, but you can use an aftermarket kit for the rest. (they’re pretty much all made by Gates Co. and rebranded) While I haven’t tried it, I would think that the older style short tensioner coupled with the newer style smaller idler pulley would cause a slack belt that could jump time and cause PTV contact. His question was can he use a 99 tensioner on an 06. Yes you can provided you also replace the idler with that of a 99. But *I* wouldn’t bother. Just my $0.02.[/quote]

So it seems we agree but we’re just using different words?

[-=Col.Mantras=-]

[quote=”EricTheCarGuy” post=33079][quote=”-=Col.Mantras=-” post=32847][quote=”EricTheCarGuy” post=32820][quote=”-=Col.Mantras=-” post=32726]I recommend replacing the tensioner with whatever came stock on the vehicle. Just replace the tensioner with the belt and waterpump and you won’t have any issues.

You may be risking piston to valve contact if you start substituting parts from one model year to another.

Cheers[/quote]

There are 2 types of tensioners for that engine, one (the grenade) is crap and it would be wise to swap it out for the other style that ALSO comes on that engine. The better style uses a retaining clip to hold tension when you install it. It has nothing to do with the valves or any issues with the engine just the timing belt tension.[/quote]

I’ve done hundreds of these belts, and only 2 later style tensioners have been leaking at the time of the service. You’re correct Eric that one is a better design for sure, but the other one will do the job just fine as well. I suppose my answer should have been that you can use a 99 timing kit on a 2006, but in my professional opinion the difference is negligible.

When it comes to timing components, I never reuse them. For a Honda, you must use a Honda OEM waterpump, but you can use an aftermarket kit for the rest. (they’re pretty much all made by Gates Co. and rebranded) While I haven’t tried it, I would think that the older style short tensioner coupled with the newer style smaller idler pulley would cause a slack belt that could jump time and cause PTV contact. His question was can he use a 99 tensioner on an 06. Yes you can provided you also replace the idler with that of a 99. But *I* wouldn’t bother. Just my $0.02.[/quote]

So it seems we agree but we’re just using different words?[/quote]

Yes we’re both agreeing. 🙂 The point of difference is I don’t think its worth it is all. I was just providing a deeper answer. I’m sorry if I’ve offended in some way Eric. That was not my intent. I want to help you with these forums and peoples questions.

Cheers

[EricTheCarGuy]

Not offended at all. I’m here to learn just like everyone else. Your input and opinions are appreciated on this forum, thank you.

[Author]

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