ACDelco 38278 Professional Automatic Tensioner Review

I recently replaced the tensioner and belt in my 2005 Honda Element with this Delco A/C combo - two things were fixed immediately: My A/C started blowing cold air and the squeaking was gone! It really wasn't that hard to replace - highly recommend!

Luckily I've completely replaced this motor in the past so I was very familiar with this motor but if you're going to do it yourself know you are need to remove the engine mount for the passenger, strengthen the engine, etc. etc. But it fits perfectly and can't grumble. I will update this review if it breaks or something.

Auto Revain incorexlty match said it doesn't fit my car (2007 Honda Accord 2.4L) but after matching number Honda parts to part number AC delco found by 3ed party to be the right setup. . Nice as it was cheaper and delivered quicker than all third party vendors (Yay Revain). Funny, what I bought was actually a Denso part (Honda OEM) in an AC/Delco box.

Great part that deadened the roar of our 2007 Honda CR-V. It was terrible! This part saved us money compared to Honda parts and while I like to use OEM parts I also love the Delco AC so saved some money and is quiet again. You have to move a lot of things and unbolt the motor mount to get it, but it's no big deal.

I have work experience in mechanics. And when you see an AC Delco, associate it with Chevy/GM, not an import. But I figured why not give it a try. I installed a gate tensioner on my 06 TSX a few years ago and thought it would last longer but it didn't. So I installed this tensioner and my idle noise is gone and hopefully this product will outlive my car.

I installed it on a 2006 Honda CR-V and encountered 3 problems: 1. The bolt works, the tensioner is 15mm and the OEM part is 14mm - this got me going from 1/4 drive to 3/8 drive in the tightest of spaces2. I feel like it takes too much effort to work (stress relief) to overcome the torque, especially in tight spaces. The original tensioner did not require such force.3. The bolt used to attach the idler/release assembly is a softer metal and is easily rounded.

2007 Honda Element. During a previous oil change I noticed that the belt tensioner bounced back and forth a bit. There is an arrow showing the tension and it doesn't stay in place while the machine is running. Then AS started to play. Then it started overheating so I checked and had to replace the radiator and condenser fans. I don't have AC test tools so I replaced it and the Bando 7PK1765 belt. The A/C hasn't worked since the replacement so I'm hoping it was due to belt slippage due to poor…