VTEC Timing Belt Tensioner???

Hey guys, friend of mine blew the head gasket on his prelude vtech, compustion gasses filled the radiator and pumped out all the coolant. Its a 1994, 2.2 4 cylinder DOHC. Engine code H22A1 if that makes any difference. We ripped it down, replaced the head gasket, and also decidede to replace the timing and balance belts since we were there. The tensioner is the type that has a bolt on the bottom, and you turn the screw to compress it, then install a holding tool, reinstall it in the car, and remove the tool, and it is supposed to pump up and tension the belt. However The tensioner doesnt pump up, and seems as though something is broken, I can push it in with my finger. My question, is the tensioner shot, or can it be revived? I know when the bolt was taken out, some oil spilled out. I ordered a new one from checker for 30 bucks (special order), but would like to know the easiest way to go about timing this motor, especially puttin the tensioner in. I already know, keyway on crank to mark on block, cam up arrows point up, and notches align. Any more insight would be greatly appreciated. thanks, im new to working on hondas.

The oil that spilled out from the hydraulic tensioner is necessary to proper operation. You must either refill the oil and recompress the tensioner and put it back on, use the manual tensioner from the H23 engine, or just buy a new hydraulic tensioner (easiest).

You'll find alot of debate and tutorial on the manual tensioner vs the hydraulic if you search google, H-T, and here.

Ok, so where can i order a new hydrolic tensioner? All the parts places I trey come up with some sort of pulley set up. Do i have to go to honda? (pay a fortune) or can i order one from online somewhere?