Beware of Evergreen Parts & Accessories selling kits on Amazon with the wrong (GMB) timing belt tensioner. Evergreen Parts & Accessories (on Amazon) recently sold me a “Head Gasket Set Timing Belt Kit” that contained an aftermarket (GMB) timing belt tensioner that was an improper fit for the engine. The timing belt tensioner pulley was misaligned (by about 3 mm) with the timing belt after installation. This misalignment caused uneven load on the tensioner bearing and it started to wear out (make noise) after only 2,000 miles of use!

I bought an OEM (Honda) timing belt tensioner and compared it to the aftermarket (GMB) timing belt tensioner. There is clearly a slight dimensional difference between the two tensioners. This can be seen in the pics if you look closely.

The subject vehicle is a 2002 Honda Civic LX sedan, auto trans, 1.7 liter engine (D17A1) VIN # 1HGES16542L041405.

Misalignment between aftermarket timing belt tensioner pulleys (such as GMB) and the timing belt is likely to cause premature failure of the tensioner and/or timing belt. Based on my recent experience, the best and safest thing to do with this Honda D17A1 engine is use OEM (Honda) valve timing parts exclusively. More expensive, but worth it in the long run.