Gates 97-99 Acura CL / 90-02 Honda Accord/92-01 Prelude Racing Performance Timing Belt

Gates Racing Performance Timing Belt 1990-2002 Honda Accord / 1997-1999 Acura CL / 1992-2001 Honda Prelude

The Gates T186RB is a racing performance timing belt for the 1990-2002 Honda Accord, 1997-1999 Acura CL, and 1992-2001 Honda Prelude. At 667 mm in length with 70 teeth and 16 mm width, the T186RB uses HNBR (Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber) compound for superior heat and oil resistance versus standard timing belts. The fiberglass tensile cord resists stretching under high-RPM conditions. A reliable timing belt is critical to engine integrity on these interference engines.

Key Features

• HNBR rubber compound — superior oil, heat, and ozone resistance for extended service life
• Fiberglass tensile cord — dimensional stability and stretch resistance under high-RPM operation
• Racing performance designation — T186RB blue-colored belt for visual identification and high-performance applications
• Direct OE replacement geometry — 70 teeth, 667 mm length, 16 mm width matches OE specifications
• Gates quality — manufactured by the leading timing belt supplier to OEM automakers

What's Included

• 1x Gates T186RB racing performance timing belt

Specifications

This Part Fits

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What does HNBR mean?
  A: HNBR stands for Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber, a compound that provides significantly better resistance to heat, oil, and ozone than standard NBR or neoprene timing belts, making it ideal for modified or high-performance engines.
• Q: Is the T186RB compatible with all Honda Accord engine variants?
  A: The T186RB covers the 1990-2002 Honda Accord. Confirm the specific engine variant and belt routing before installation, as some Accord models with VTEC engines may have different requirements.
• Q: Is this an interference or non-interference engine application?
  A: The Honda F-series and H-series engines in these vehicles are interference engines. Timing belt failure will result in engine damage. Always replace the timing belt on schedule.
• Q: Should I replace the tensioner and water pump at the same time?
  A: Yes. Best practice is to replace the tensioner, idler pulley, and water pump together with the timing belt during any timing belt service.
• Q: Why is the T186RB belt blue?
  A: The blue color is for visual identification of the racing performance compound, allowing technicians to confirm the correct belt is installed.
• Q: What is the recommended replacement interval for this belt?
  A: Consult your vehicle's service manual. Honda typically recommends 60,000 to 105,000 mile intervals depending on model year and engine.
• Q: Does this fit the 1994 Honda Prelude VTEC?
  A: The T186RB is listed for 1992-2001 Honda Prelude. Confirm your specific engine code and tooth count against the factory specification before installation.
• Q: What is the advantage of a fiberglass tensile cord?
  A: Fiberglass resists stretching and maintains precise cam timing under high-RPM and high-temperature conditions where standard timing belts may creep.

Installation Instructions

Allow the engine to cool completely before beginning. Remove the upper and lower timing belt covers. Remove the distributor cap (if applicable) and align the engine to TDC on cylinder 1 compression stroke before removing the old belt. Note all sprocket timing marks. Remove the tensioner and old belt. Install the Gates T186RB over all sprockets in the correct rotation direction. Install a new tensioner and set tension per OEM specification. Confirm all timing marks are correctly aligned before rotating the engine by hand. Reinstall covers and test-start the engine. Replace coolant if water pump is replaced simultaneously.