Examination
On Accord and Prelude models, check the drive belts at least every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Determine the belt tension at the midpoint between the pulleys by gently pressing on the belt with your thumb. The belt should have a play of about 1/4 in. (6 mm) for belt lengths of 7.5–10.5 in. (178–254 mm) and 0.5 in. (13 mm) for belt lengths of 13.5–16.5 in. (330–406 mm). If the belt plays more or less, adjust the tension.
When adjusting the tension, do not try to make it as tight as possible. Excessive belt tension will cause premature wear of the drive components. When the belt is correctly adjusted, the drive components will operate quietly.
Checking and adjusting tension
Before adjusting, inspect the belt for cracks or wear. Make sure there is no grease or oil on the surface. A worn belt will be completely smooth and shiny from slipping; a belt in good condition will have some visible grain. Cracks will start on the inside of the belt and run outward. Replace the belt at the first sign of cracking or if it is seriously worn.
1. Apply gentle pressure to the belt midway between the pulleys. The belt should deflect about 13 mm. The deflection should be slightly less on a new belt, as the elasticity will be lost fairly quickly in the first half hour or so of operation.
2. If the belt tension needs to be adjusted on a 1984 Accord, loosen the adjusting bolt and move the synchroscope outward. On all other models, loosen the upper mounting bolt, then turn the adjusting nut on the outboard synchroscope. This will allow the synchroscope to be moved without effort.
3. When the belt tension is set correctly, tighten the upper mounting bolt. Recheck the tension and repeat the adjustment if necessary.
4. If the air conditioner compressor belt needs adjustment, tighten it by turning the adjusting bolt. Depending on the model, this may affect either the compressor or the tension pulley.
Do not apply excessive force to either the casing or the components.
The article was taken from the website www.hondabook.ru