90,000 mile fun

Our 1999 Odessey van is coming up on 90,000 miles.

Our local whiz-bang auto shop wants to do it, estimates around $1000.

I don't HAVE a spare $1000. So I start looking into what's involved
and whether I can do it. Change plugs and filters, check. Change fluids,
check.
Change timing belt... hmmm...

I've done several (successful!) head-gasket replacements on
VW Rabbits. This involved removing and replacing the timing belt,
which is in a rather accessible location on a Rabbit.

Does this qualify me to replace the timing belt on an Oddesey?


And from the list of things to do, I can't see it costing more than $20 in
fluids,
$20 in parts, plus about $50 for the timing belt.


Any opinions appreciated,

George

 

While you're in there, you also replace the water pump. Another $40.

 

I think you could do it, but plan on it taking a lot longer... VWs are great
for DIY maintenance.

 

For the $1000 alternative, I would say yes,you should do it.

 

Actually, with timing belt, water pump and so forth, that's not bad. Lexus
told me to expect $2,000.00 at 75k miles to replace the belt and water pump
on my wife's RX 300. We traded on a Pilot.

 

I'd have had a shop that not out to commit robbery do the work.

 

George
If I were you I would do all the fluid changes, filters belts and spark
plugs myself like I do. Of course using only Honda brand name fluids. Your
owners manual has good illustrations and capacities for servicing. These
tasks can be done with a minimal assortment of tools in the driveway. I
would have a Honda repair shop change the timing belt, and do the valve
adjustment. A mistake in a belt installation could be expensive.
Mike.

 

id budget a bit more than that for the timing belt/parts.

 

because it happens so often

 

T-belt and platinum plugs not due until 105k. Doesn't anybody read owners
manuals?

 

No.

 

----------------------

It's also gonna be 30 degrees COLDER on the driveway by the time 105k
comes around. Fingers freeze. Better to do it now. No fun freezing your
______ to the fender.

'Curly'

-----------------------

 

When my 96' Integra came upon 90k miles, I took it in to get the timing
belt, water pump, coolant and accessory belts replaced for $680. This
included a free loaner car for the 24 hours they kept the car. In all I
thought it was a very good deal because of my lack of expertise in such
matters. Now they insisted on doing an oil change for $39 more and they
gave me a whopper of a list of things needed to be done.

The reasons I would have someone more qualified to change a timing belts are:
1. You will only change it out maybe twice during the life of your car so
you want to make sure it is done correctly.
2. FWD vehicles with transverse mounted engines are sooooooo very difficult
to access the accessory belt, timing belt and water pump.
3. If you do something wrong, you can destroy your engine in a heartbeat.
4. Their technicians are certified at it. If something goes wrong, the
dealership will have to pay for the repairs.

If you are only fretting about the 90k service then you can always take it
to Honda and have them run the diagnostic check. It will cost $50 - $75.
I did this for my 15k service and it counted towards my commitment towards
preventative maintenance when the car was still under warranty. Oil changes
and tire rotations can be outsourced or completed much cheaper then dealer
prices. Sparkplugs for my car were changed out at 60k and I believe that it
is needed every 60k.

Your Oddyssey may have a timing chain and not a timing belt. I don't know
this answer. Maybe someone can help me out here. Anyways if it is a chain
and not a belt, then it wouldn't hurt to have it inspected and have the
tension adjusted if needed.

Every 30k miles, I do recommend the following:
Oil and filter change.
- Any oil change place or do it yourself.
Transmission fluid change.
- Most quickie lube places will do it for $30-$60.
- Buy some Honda tranny fluid and tell them use it instead of their generic
stuff.
Coolant change.
- Again most quickie lube places will do it for $30-$60.
Tire rotation.
- Invest in a hydraulic jack and some jack stands. If you have any friends
with an hydraulic jack then borrow theirs too. Rotate them yourself.
Heck if you live in the N Dallas area, you can borrow mine.
My friend has an hydraulic jack. One after noon they came over and we
spent the afternoon rotating tires on 3 different vehicles. A little
elbow grease can save a bunch of money.

The $50-$75 bucks you spend of the dealership inspection should cover just
about everything that needs to be checked. Remember they want to be as
thorough as possible because this is where they can make money changing worn
out stuff on your van.

Good Luck.

 

How about every 3K miles.

 

30k, for scamsoil

dont forget the toilet paper cartridge filter!

 

If you chaange your oil every 3k then the 10th,
20th, 30th etc oil change will be every 30k.
That is what I meant...