opinions on t-belt tensioner mod?

[jesepes]

Ok, I'm putting my 6bolt back together and have decided that I just don't like the "auto" tensioner. Does anyone make a manual tensioner?? What do you guys think of buying and using one instead of the auto one? If you ask me, it's like the next thing to consider in reliability of the timing belt after BS removal. Let me know if you guys think this is a good idea. I was planning on gutting the stock tensioner and boring and tapping it to accept a bolt with locking nut. The adjustment in tension will me made by running the bolt in or out further and then locking it with a jam nut. Let me know.
Thanks,
-Jesse

 

[uh-oh]

could work great but i would recommend checking the TB more often then...the auto tension makes allot of small changes that you may not see...also mark the maximum adjustment so over time you dont over adjust the TB by accident

 

[poorboyj]

Would a manual tensioner also keep ignition timing more precise? I would think it would.

Jay

 

[Defiant]

The automatic tensioner lasts longer than the belt does.

If you're concerned about cam timing, get adjustable gears, a dial indicator and a degree wheel.

It is strongly recommended that you put the idea of a "manually adjustable" tensioner far out of your mind.

 

[Tevenor]

The "auto tensioner" only absorbs the slack in the belt as heat and time work against the belt. The tensioner pulley is really what does the tension. Unless you plan on changing the tensioner manually by hand every 30 seconds as the car warms up, stick to the autotensioner and focus your energies somewhere else.

 

[Strm Trpr]

If someone thought a "manual tensioner" was a good idea, it would've been done already.....
Imagine a miss shift into 2nd instead of 4th, what do you think would happen with a hard tensioned T-Belt?
The auto tensioner design is much like that of a shock absorber for your suspension....

 

[Iceyankee-Tsi]

Okay guys, but what about instead af making a manual tensioner we could add something like a high tensioned spring. Lets say like the timing system that uses the 1988 mitsubishi mirage 1.5 liter engine. I think this coud be much more reliable than the hydraulic tensioner. What you guys think???

 

[tylerwal]

a manual tensioner has already been done before ... and it seems that the results were fine

link

 

[alexg1323]

that site doesnt show that he actually used that thing he built. It just shows he made it and put it on a junk motor for pictures. stick with the auto tensioner and dont risk the whole motor

 

[jesepes]

Unless you plan on changing the tensioner manually by hand every 30 seconds as the car warms up, stick to the autotensioner and focus your energies somewhere else.

Is there a big difference between my d16a6 manual tensioner and using one on my dsm? I did have to adjust the timing belt once on my Honda since I changed the belt 40K ago. But as far as adjust it, (every 30 seconds) more often than that I haven't experienced it.

Secondly, would you ever consider going to an "auto" tensioner on another engine (d16a6) if it never came with it? Personally I would not. There is no doubt that moving parts are more likely to wear out than ones that don't move. More reliability=less moving parts.

P.S. I do not mean to attempt to use a Honda tensioner on my DSM it was only for example of an engine that uses a non auto-tensioning system and my personal experience with them. (I also wonder what the ratio of t-belt systems that use auto tensioners to manual tensioners is, as well as which has a higher failure rate given equal (as possible) engine driving paramaters i.e. RPM, time in service, etc.)

 

[Defiant]

Secondly, would you ever consider going to an "auto" tensioner on another engine (d16a6) if it never came with it?

No more than we'd consider going to a manual from one that came auto.

But you know what we think. Do what you will, and write it up.

 

[jesepes]

Well,
That's exactly what's in the works. I have already disassembled my old auto tensioner, and it was a good thing I did. The oil in there was really dark and had metal shavings in it. They looked to be from the copper slug inside where the output shaft had worn some. It is almost finished as a manual now. I just need to do some touch up work to get it on the car. Space will be a bit tight to adjust once it's in, but I'm just planning to make a tool to do the job easily as possible. I'll report back after the car is finished. It'll be a while. I should have some pics too.

 

[jrotten]

So how did this turn out? Bent valves or happy camper?

 

[BUCK]

I'd invest in the Kevlar Belt LONG before I'd try a Manual Tensioner.

 

[RoasT BeeF]

Okay guys, but what about instead af making a manual tensioner we could add something like a high tensioned spring. Lets say like the timing system that uses the 1988 mitsubishi mirage 1.5 liter engine. I think this coud be much more reliable than the hydraulic tensioner. What you guys think???

I doubt you are going to find a spring with more tension than the stock hyraulic already has.

 

[jesepes]

My manual tensioner is working great after 600miles. I've beat the piss out of my car both on the road and at autocross. I'm going to the drag track soon too. No problems out of it yet. I know somewhere in the forums there is a link to how some other dude did it and he has pictures and instructions on how he did it. Mine is different from his, but it will work the same. (I actually think his is better/easier to adjust/has better fitment than mine.)

I never expect to have a problem with my DSM due to tensioner failure.
-Jesse