Timing Belt Tensioner Spring Honda Civic 1998–2000 – OEM 14516-P2T-000

Genuine Honda OEM timing belt tensioner spring for the B16A2 1.6 DOHC VTEC engine. This component maintains correct timing belt tension by keeping constant pressure on the tensioner pulley – both during engine operation and at startup. Small in size but critical to the timing system: a loose or incorrectly tensioned belt can cause serious engine damage.

The spring works directly with the timing belt tensioner. Honda Motor Co. recommends replacing it at every timing belt service, particularly on late-production B16A2 engines from the EK generation (1998–2000), where the original spring may lose its tension characteristics after years of use.

Applications

• Honda Civic 3D (hatchback) – 1998–2000, B16A2 1.6 DOHC VTEC engine
• Honda Civic 4D (sedan) – 1998–2000, B16A2 1.6 DOHC VTEC engine
• Honda Civic Coupe – 1999–2000, B16A2 1.6 DOHC VTEC engine

This part is specific to the B16A2 engine in the late EK generation. Before ordering, confirm your vehicle is fitted with the B16A2 unit – other Civic EK engine variants (e.g. D-series) may require a different tensioner spring.

OEM Reference Number

Genuine Honda OEM part number:

• 14516-P2T-000

Genuine Honda OEM part – manufactured to factory specification, Made in Japan.

When to Replace the Tensioner Spring

• At every scheduled timing belt replacement – this is standard service practice for the B16A2 engine.
• When the tensioner fails to maintain correct belt tension after reassembly.
• When the spring shows visible signs of corrosion, deformation or cracking.
• When a distinctive whistle or clicking noise from the timing area is heard on a cold start and disappears after a short while – this may indicate insufficient belt tension during startup.
• As a preventive measure on engines with over 150,000 km or more than 15 years of use.

Installation and Service Notes

• Replace the tensioner spring together with the timing belt and tensioner pulley. Fitting a new spring onto a worn tensioner makes no sense.
• After fitting the belt and releasing the tensioner, verify that the spring is correctly pressing the tensioner against the belt and that tension is even along the full length of the belt.
• After installation, start the engine and listen for any unusual noises from the timing area.
• While the timing cover is off, check the condition of the valve cover gasket – this is a good opportunity to replace it if needed.
• Timing system work on the B16A2 requires knowledge of the cam timing procedure. If you are not experienced with Honda DOHC VTEC engines, have the work carried out by a qualified workshop.

FAQ – Timing Belt Tensioner Spring Honda B16A2

Do I need to replace the tensioner spring every time I replace the timing belt?
Honda recommends replacing the spring at every timing belt service. The spring loses its tension characteristics over time and mileage, and the cost of a genuine OEM spring is minimal compared to the total cost of a timing belt job. It is not worth skipping this part.

Does this spring fit other Honda B-series engines besides the B16A2?
Part number 14516-P2T-000 is specific to the B16A2 engine in the late EK generation (1998–2000). Other B-series units such as B16A, B18C or B18B may require a different spring – always verify the OEM number against your VIN or engine number before ordering.

How can I tell if the tensioner spring is worn?
The spring rarely fails suddenly – deterioration is gradual. It loses tension over time, which can result in the timing belt running with insufficient load. A typical symptom is a faint whine or rattle from the timing area on a cold start that disappears once the engine warms up. A reliable diagnosis requires removing the tensioner and checking whether the spring still has adequate stiffness and shows no deformation.

Is this a genuine Honda part?
Yes – 14516-P2T-000 is a genuine Honda OEM part number. Manufactured to factory specification, identical to the part originally fitted to B16A2 engines. Made in Japan.