Aftermarket Hydraulic Tensioner?

[justinh722]

I recently had a very loud ticking that sounded like extreme lifter tick until I opened the hood and pinpointed it to be around the timing belt area. I took everything apart and noticed my tensioner was bottomed out. I know people say to use OEM components but I have a new DAYCO timing belt that came with a head that I bought from someone. The mitsubishi dealership is a 2 hour round trip for me so I just wanted your opinions to see if anyone runs aftermarket belts and tensioners.

I understand a lot of ppl say they are junk but most of that can be lead back to improper installation. Is anyone running a dayco belt and an aftermarket tensioner? I'm about to call the dealership which means I will prob have to wait a week for them to order it. Opinions? Thanks.

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

I would have no problem running a Dayco timing belt and an aftermarket tensioner if it were mine. The main thing is to have new components when doing the job. As long as you do it right, there should be no problems. Good luck!

 

[justinh722]

The timing belt was relatively new but when the tensioner went, it sorta rubbed on the crank trigger plate and walked the belt to the outside edge of the cam gears. The outside of the belt got real warm and looked like it was melting it because I rubbed my finger on it and it was all black. I'll probably go with an aftermarket tensioner and use this dayco belt I have. Thanks

 

[Alex7747]

I used an aftermarket tensioner once for about a week and IT WORKED but i just didnt feel to confident using it so i got an OEM one and slapped it on.. Would i use on again? Probly. I mean it worked so why not haha

 

[justinh722]

You would think that the aftermarket corporations would extensively test their products considering the effect they would have on an engine if it were to fail prematurely. I'm gonna try it out and not jump on the OEM bandwagon.

Just called the dealer that's an hour away and they want 148 bucks for an OEM tensioner. Would take 9 days to get here because orders go in on fridays. I went with the 109 dollar aftermarket one that will be here tomorrow.