Originally Posted By: The Critic
Installed an a/m Bando EPDM serpentine belt on the boss's Accord. Went back 1k later to install a new auto-tensioner, and noticed that the tensioner arrow had already moved quite a bit to the right. Although it's still in range, with the original Honda belt, the tensioner arrow stayed in the center for the entire 115k+.
Not sure what to think of this, but obviously the Bando belt stretched a bit during break-in...
This is the normal, expected behavior.
From the OEM manual for my car:
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"New belt" refers to a brand-new belt, which has never been used.
"Used belt" refers to a belt, which has been used on a running engine for 5 minutes or more.
Used-belt tension: 80 lb (PS), 130 lb (alternator), 80 lb (A/C)
New-belt tension: 125 lb (PS), 160 lb (alternator), 125 lb (A/C)
Run the engine for about 5 minutes and then recheck the tension.
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Yes, Mitsuboshi and Bando are both OEM for Toyota.