PDA

View Full Version : How To: Modify OEM Auto Tensioner for JRSC



beechstreet
02-27-2011, 09:24 AM
Here's a quick "How To" on how to modify your OEM auto tensioner to work with your JRSC setup on an EP3 (K20A3). I don't take credit for figuring out how this works. I'm just putting all this information together in one post so people will not have to search through multiple threads and posts. Credit goes out to neoamd, 04EP3Hatch, K20A EP3, Ba82Ep3, Jmercado (of clubrsx.com), and others for posting up info related to the tensioner. I'd also like to thank ecsahs3 for donating an OEM auto tensioner to me.

For this "How To" I will be referring to a JRSC Race setup on a K20A3 (which includes a JRSC, 440 injectors, 3.8" SC Pulley, the k24 "skeletor" crank pulley (http://www.ephatch.com/forum//showthread.php?59505-K24-quot-skeletor-quot-Pulley-Installed&highlight=auto+tensioner), and the 3" idler pulley on the OEM tensioner).

What you need:
OEM Auto Tensioner (K20A3)
Cut-off tool, preferably an air powered one
A belt equivalent to the Gates/Gatorback k070622 (neoamd also suggests a K080620 with a rib removed)

First step:
You want to remove one of the mounting points on the OEM tensioner that will hit the neck of the JRSC. The part that needs to be removed is circled in red:
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/teambeechstreet2/Supercharger/DSCF0582-1.jpg

I'd suggest doing this with an air powered cut off tool. Be sure to wear protective eye wear and some heavy duty gloves. Dust/debris from the tensioner will be flying everywhere.

Once done, it should look like this:
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/teambeechstreet2/Supercharger/DSCF0655.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/teambeechstreet2/Supercharger/100_0202.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/teambeechstreet2/Supercharger/100_0201.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/teambeechstreet2/Supercharger/DSCF0651.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/teambeechstreet2/Supercharger/DSCF0650.jpg

Be careful, where you cut the chunk off will be sharp. I'd also suggest smoothing it up with an angle grinder or grinding wheel if you have access to one.

Once the tensioner has been modded, install it in place of your manual tensioner. You will only need two bolts to mount the OEM tensioner. Depending on the JRSC pulley and crank pulley you are using, you can most likely use the Gates/Goodyear k070622 or as neoamd suggests, the Gates/Goodyear k080620 with a rib cut off for some extra snugness. I'd suggest putting the belt on all of the pulleys and leaving the S/C pulley for last. Like most auto tensioners, use a long handled socket wrench to swing the tensioner arm loose and create slack. I needed an extra hand to hold the wrench while I forced the belt over the S/C pulley. Start up the car and check for any noises.

That's it:
http://i840.photobucket.com/albums/zz329/tubba007/2011-02-28_09-03-44_309.jpg

More links if this "how to" doesn't help you much.

k24 skeletor pulley (http://www.ephatch.com/forum//showthread.php?59505-K24-quot-skeletor-quot-Pulley-Installed&highlight=auto+tensioner)

Modding OEM Tensioner Discussion (http://www.ephatch.com/forum//showthread.php?54085-Modding-OEM-Tensioner-for-JRSC&highlight=auto+tensioner)

Ba82Ep3
02-27-2011, 09:28 AM
Excellent! Maybe add a good installed pic to show SC snout clearance? STICKY!!

beechstreet
02-27-2011, 09:31 AM
Excellent! Maybe add a good installed pic to show SC snout clearance? STICKY!!

good idea. Will do today!

MugenReplica
02-27-2011, 09:55 AM
I like that it is in the "How To" section, but do you mind if I move and STICKY it in the JRSC section?

beechstreet
02-27-2011, 01:11 PM
I like that it is in the "How To" section, but do you mind if I move and STICKY it in the JRSC section?

Fine with me!

03Si757
02-28-2011, 03:13 PM
Great mod. Just cant wait to put it to use..

K20A EP3
02-28-2011, 03:55 PM
Easy as pie! :-)

05 hatch
03-08-2011, 11:09 PM
Ya props. I'm gonna try this tomorrow. Do you happen to have a pic of the other side of the auto tensioner after you cut it?

beechstreet
03-09-2011, 09:57 AM
Ya props. I'm gonna try this tomorrow. Do you happen to have a pic of the other side of the auto tensioner after you cut it?

Sure do. This is first auto tensioner I chopped up, but its basically the same as the one I'm using now.

http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/teambeechstreet2/Supercharger/100_0202.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/teambeechstreet2/Supercharger/100_0201.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/teambeechstreet2/Supercharger/DSCF0651.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/teambeechstreet2/Supercharger/DSCF0650.jpg

05 hatch
03-09-2011, 02:45 PM
Thank u very much sir. I am gonna do this in about an hour, hopefully nothing goes wrong! And then, boosted fun and a tune tomorrow morning. Hopefully 230-240 hp. I'ts gonna be tight.

tunner2307
03-09-2011, 07:47 PM
Nice "How to" Thanks :)))

skoolnu
05-18-2011, 06:34 PM
did you still shave the tab to allow more movement? I tried this today with out shaving the tab, and the belt was jumping over the SC pulley. Im guessing I need to shave the tab.

beechstreet
05-18-2011, 08:19 PM
did you still shave the tab to allow more movement? I tried this today with out shaving the tab, and the belt was jumping over the SC pulley. Im guessing I need to shave the tab.

I didn't shave the tab on the tensioner I am currently using. I did it on a previous tensioner and it caused the tensioner pulley to hit the SC pulley. Are you using the K24 skeletor crank pulley or A3 crank pulley? You may need to find a shorter belt if its not staying tight on the A3 crank pulley.

skoolnu
05-19-2011, 03:17 AM
I didn't shave the tab on the tensioner I am currently using. I did it on a previous tensioner and it caused the tensioner pulley to hit the SC pulley. Are you using the K24 skeletor crank pulley or A3 crank pulley? You may need to find a shorter belt if its not staying tight on the A3 crank pulley.

Still had the a3 CP on. I have a k24 pulley ill be putting on and trying this again. how much of a bitch should it be to wrap the belt on the blower pulley? cause this was damn easy.

beechstreet
05-19-2011, 10:15 AM
Still had the a3 CP on. I have a k24 pulley ill be putting on and trying this again. how much of a bitch should it be to wrap the belt on the blower pulley? cause this was damn easy.

with the k24 CP I had to have a 2nd person help pull the belt over SC pulley while I held the wrench to create slack on the tensioner. Its a tight fit. I couldnt get the K080620 belt on because it was so tight, so I had to go with the k070622. Hope that helps!

04EP3Hatch
05-30-2011, 12:10 AM
OMG i forgot this existed im so happy right now, how is it still worjking for you? any slippage? smooth boost climb? my manual tensioner shit the bed on me and its time for replacement

jimmyjames
05-30-2011, 05:39 AM
Just noticed the first pic circled too much area compared to what was cut. Looks like it shows a bolt hole cut off that should be retained. Can anyone confirm?

skoolnu
05-30-2011, 07:02 AM
OMG i forgot this existed im so happy right now, how is it still worjking for you? any slippage? smooth boost climb? my manual tensioner shit the bed on me and its time for replacement

dan, you planning on doing this mod, or still looking for another manual?

05 hatch
05-30-2011, 08:34 AM
Just noticed the first pic circled too much area compared to what was cut. Looks like it shows a bolt hole cut off that should be retained. Can anyone confirm?

I believe just the top bolt hole of the red circled section. You need to retain the bolt hole right below it. I cut that whole section off on mine. Anybody have a spare auto tensioner that I can have?

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

04EP3Hatch
05-30-2011, 08:55 AM
dan, you planning on doing this mod, or still looking for another manual?

i want to try this, everyone is claiming it is the shit and it seems like it is so ill give it a shot, i hope it works

beechstreet
05-30-2011, 06:38 PM
OMG i forgot this existed im so happy right now, how is it still worjking for you? any slippage? smooth boost climb? my manual tensioner shit the bed on me and its time for replacement

Still working, no problems at all. Put about 1100 miles on it so far and had it dynotuned with it.


Just noticed the first pic circled too much area compared to what was cut. Looks like it shows a bolt hole cut off that should be retained. Can anyone confirm?

yeah, i circled too much. New photo uploaded and replaced on the first page. Sorry bout that.

04EP3Hatch
05-30-2011, 06:43 PM
hey beechstreet can you do me s favor and take a few more pics of yours installed? my tensioner literally came apart on the rev limiter in 4th gear lol battery light came on, just started overheating, so i shut it off and coasted as far as i could. so im going to use your guideline to make mine work

beechstreet
05-30-2011, 06:55 PM
hey beechstreet can you do me s favor and take a few more pics of yours installed? my tensioner literally came apart on the rev limiter in 4th gear lol battery light came on, just started overheating, so i shut it off and coasted as far as i could. so im going to use your guideline to make mine work

do these help at all?
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/teambeechstreet2/Supercharger/2011-05-30_18-49-44_964.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/teambeechstreet2/Supercharger/2011-05-30_18-50-01_623.jpg
http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s86/teambeechstreet2/Supercharger/2011-05-30_18-50-41_248.jpg

04EP3Hatch
05-30-2011, 09:21 PM
why yes, yes they do :) thank you sir. anyone have a spare autotensioner laying around to help me out :( im broke and so is my manual tensioner, ill paypal whoever lol

Twisted-X
05-30-2011, 10:47 PM
Glad to see this turned into a how-to. :thumbu: Pics of the "skeletor" pulley?

04EP3Hatch
05-31-2011, 04:01 AM
oh and beechstreet how many pounds are you hittin with your setup

Ba82Ep3
05-31-2011, 10:48 AM
"Skeletor" pulley...

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n562/dwms73/408662338_photobucket_2910_.jpg

k24z CP compared to k20a3/k24a1 CP...

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n562/dwms73/408662338_photobucket_5547_.jpg

skoolnu
05-31-2011, 02:25 PM
why yes, yes they do :) thank you sir. anyone have a spare autotensioner laying around to help me out :( im broke and so is my manual tensioner, ill paypal whoever lol

check ebay dan, thats where i found mine. got it for 34 bucks.

Twisted-X
05-31-2011, 02:30 PM
"Skeletor" pulley...

Thanks!

04EP3Hatch
05-31-2011, 04:07 PM
check ebay dan, thats where i found mine. got it for 34 bucks.

did you buy an oem honda one? hows it working for you

skoolnu
05-31-2011, 05:12 PM
did you buy an oem honda one? hows it working for you

yup used one. havent had time to get the CP on. plan on it this week sometime.

04EP3Hatch
05-31-2011, 05:22 PM
yup used one. havent had time to get the CP on. plan on it this week sometime.

well do you have the auto tensioner on?

beechstreet
05-31-2011, 06:43 PM
oh and beechstreet how many pounds are you hittin with your setup

Auto tensioner, skeletor CP pulley, 440 injectors, 3.8" SC pulley, Kpro = 11.5 PSI

04EP3Hatch
05-31-2011, 06:57 PM
Auto tensioner, skeletor CP pulley, 440 injectors, 3.8" SC pulley, Kpro = 11.5 PSI

damn were identical

skoolnu
06-01-2011, 03:25 PM
well do you have the auto tensioner on?

I installed it, but the pulley is also needed for that size belt. I was at work, so I had to change it back so I could go home. haha.

04EP3Hatch
06-02-2011, 07:31 PM
hmmm i cant find a tensioner :( found a brand new oem honda one on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-Honda-Accord-Drive-Belt-Tensioner-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQfitsZModelQ3aCivicQ7cSubmodelQ3 aSiQQhashZitem3cb5e53355QQitemZ260749734741QQptZMo torsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

but i messaged them and they said it wont fit an ep3 :(

04EP3Hatch
06-02-2011, 07:40 PM
NEVA MINDDD got one from an rsx for 44 shipped :)

05 hatch
06-02-2011, 09:43 PM
NEVA MINDDD got one from an rsx for 44 shipped :)

Nice. Did u get it from clubrsx? I need one too.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

04EP3Hatch
06-03-2011, 04:15 AM
Nice. Did u get it from clubrsx? I need one too.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

naa sadly the guy on CRSX wanted 70 shipped, but go on ebay man, the same guy had 2 more of the same tensioner

04EP3Hatch
06-07-2011, 04:30 AM
Dumb question but are Any of you guys running the center bolt through the tensioner in the center? Not the one at the very top

04EP3Hatch
06-07-2011, 04:43 AM
Dumb question but are Any of you guys running the center bolt through the tensioner in the center? Not the one at the very top

04EP3Hatch
06-07-2011, 04:59 PM
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254822_216612785036181_100000623832794_694985_1095 151_n.jpg

booooooooooooooooooooyah!

skoolnu
06-08-2011, 07:55 AM
is it holdin up for ya?

04EP3Hatch
06-08-2011, 09:31 PM
is it holdin up for ya?

fuck yea idk why i didnt do this earlier lol im just missing the bolt that goes through the center of the tensioner intself and i just ordered it

04EP3Hatch
06-08-2011, 09:40 PM
hey guys dumb question but in the OEM service manual it shows a bolt going directly through the center of the tensioner, not the top bolt that stands alone now, but that hole in the center of the tensioner, it says install a bolt in there and torque to 16lbft, buttt wouldnt the tensioner not be able to actuate if there is a bolt there? im consfused

kaotik78
06-05-2012, 12:07 PM
Anybody know if modifying the stock tensioner will work with the JRSC street setup without the skeletor pulley? IE: just running on a k20a3 motor with JRSC street version. Thanks!

PAPITUYO326
06-05-2012, 01:01 PM
Yes.

You may likely need a different belt vs. the original JR tensioner, but you should have expected that anyway.

speedking604
04-25-2015, 11:09 AM
I just modified my using the auto tensioner but sometimes the belt jump. I have k20z1, jrsc with 3.8" pulley, 4080620 belt. Did anyone tried 4080610 belt yet? I cut one rib on the belt.