Timing Chain Tensioner Maintenance

PainlessCandy

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Cleveland
Vehicle Model
Civic Si
Body Style
Coupe
Out of curiosity, has anyone replaced their tensioner on their 9th Si? I'm hearing a whirring noise at low throttle but high RPMs and am wondering if I should get it done before it comes looser.

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webby

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It started making a whining sound last Thursday, took it to the dealer on Friday. The guy in service said it was nothing, so I asked for a mechanics opinion. The mechanic said maybe a belt tensioner. They took my car in and gave me a rental.
Called them today to see what's going on. They said the timing chain failed and was coming apart (not sure how that can happen??) and that they are replacing the chain, chain guide, and chain tensioner.
only instance I can think of ^
 

PainlessCandy

Well-Known Member
350
222
Cleveland
Vehicle Model
Civic Si
Body Style
Coupe
only instance I can think of ^
Thanks @webby, I figured nearly no one had done it specifically. I'm going to try and get the updated VTC Actuator part installed under the warranty issue I had opened for the cold start grind and have them do it then. Will let you guys know how it goes.

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dpetro1

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Catonsville, MD
Out of curiosity, has anyone replaced their tensioner on their 9th Si? I'm hearing a whirring noise at low throttle but high RPMs and am wondering if I should get it done before it comes looser.

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Are you referring to the timing chain or serpentine belt? Timing chain should not need any maintenance.

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PainlessCandy

Well-Known Member
350
222
Cleveland
Vehicle Model
Civic Si
Body Style
Coupe
Are you referring to the timing chain or serpentine belt? Timing chain should not need any maintenance.

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I am referring to the timing chain. I have had the cold start grind noise caused by the VTC Actuator not locking for years, and the result has been a chain tensioner that needs replaced in order to maintain proper chain tightness as it runs. This is a normal maintenance item on every motor with a timing chain, you just don't normally need to do it before 200k miles unless there is something causing it to loosen. You are correct that the chain itself should not need maintenance unless the engine was run while low on oil.

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