99 civic SE -timing belt

hello - first time here - looks like a great place to discuss autos

I read a few of the timing belt threads via a search of the forum -and to be
honest -I'm even more confused now

My 99 civic SE (basically a dx with a SE badge) runs like a top -never a
problem -regularly maintained -very low miles 62,000 KMS -which is probably
around 40,000 MILES .

I realize that the mileage isnt quite there yet to necessitate the timing
belt change -but what about the age ?-going on 7 years old I suppose (bought
summer of 99)

I obviously ''baby'' the car -but I do live in a cold climate (northern
ontario canada)and pretty much just use the car to drive to work 5 days a
week -which is approx 5 miles each way --which I suppose could be considered
as ''frequent'' short trips as per the Honda type 2 mainteneace sked .

I just invested in a new set of tires (approx 500$)and I plan on keeping the
car for another 3 years minimum .I figure - I may as well replace the timing
belt for that ''peace of mind feelin'' as well as add to the cars re-sale
value when I sell it in approx 3 years -I'm sure a buyer would appreciate the
fact that the car will have low miles + timing belt done

my mind is pretty much made up -but please enlighten me if you please

 

For Canadian Honda drivers, the following site is helpful
IMO:
http://www.honda.ca/Honda/YourHonda/HondaService/Maintenance
Calculator.htm?L=E

It says your 99 Civic SE's timing belt is due at 7 years or
168k km, for normal service. It's due at 100k km "if
regularly driven in very low temp (-29 C, -20 F)"

So at seven years in 2006, the TB is due. Wait right until
summer, but no longer, IMO. Remember that mileage isn't
actually a measure of the RPM on the timing belt. Sitting
idling puts revs on it as well. Weather can age belts, even
if they are not used at all, as well.

I would take this seriously and change it. Your Honda has an
interference engine, which means the pistons may very well
hit the valves if the timing is off, and when the belt
breaks, it's off. Such damage is very expensive to repair.
This group does get reports of broken timing belts.

you please

 

| It's due at 100k km "if
| regularly driven in very low temp (-29 C, -20 F)"
Isn't the type of belt ( nitrile / chloroprene ) relevant ?
http://hostingprod.com/@aa1car.com/library/timingbelts_903.htm
During change, better chk & lubricate bearing
www.napabeltshose.com/index.cfm?location_id=1206

| This group does get reports of broken timing belts.
My F20A's original t-belt broke @79980 km, I had to buy a 5yr old
F20A engine fr japan. >1 mechanic said t-belts ( in this climate ) must
be replaced by 70000 km : sounds true ; my Mitsubishi 4G15P's original
t-belt started to crack, by 76958 km, far < the 100000km prescribed by
honda / mitsubishi.

 

?

I assume the manuals assume the owner is using an OEM belt.

Feel free to assume something else.

Never heard of this for a Honda driven in the U.S. or
Canada. That's based on a lot of reading of manuals and
posts here over the last few years.

 

thanks for the insight folks....

now , how much can I expect the job to cost at a honda dealer shop ? --and
should I do the water pump @ same time?

I dont have the time to look for someone who could do the job ''on the side''
for much less -so i'd prefer to get soaked by the dealer.

great service tech though -he's very honest

 

a t-belt job in Winnipeg will set you back $249.99. That does not include a
valve adjustment, which I would recommend unless it was done in the last 30k.
That would add another $80 or so onto the bill.

t

 

thats not bad at all -I thought it would be in the 400-700 range

 

dealer shop ? --

$400-$700 (American dollars) range is usual in the U.S.

This is customary on early c. 1990 Hondas. Keep checking
back for others' input. Also, there is a "timing belt
tensioner" that, from reports here, people say should be
replaced about the second TB job of a car's life. Its
bearings should at least be checked, IIRC.

The dealer will more likely do it right, especially if you
sense the service tech is good. And, yes, independent shops
do mess up. In sum, this job is not a bad one to have done
at the dealer's.