Timing Belt Question

I want to hear about people's experience about this, how long a timing can
last in a 2000 Accord LX ?

I know 80,000 Miles is recommended, but if you go over say 110,000 is it
still safe ?

Thanks

 

My mechanic says 105K miles. I've got 2500 to go.

Randy

 

It depends if you follow the 'Severe' Service
schedule or not. It is outlined in your owner's
manual.

My 98 Civic's interval is 60000 miles. Since I
am in Canada, I do need to follow the severe
schedule.

t

 

Better to changet it earlier.Will "save" you troubles and money.A timing
belt is rubber.Rubber is rubber to me.

 

The question is it safe is asking us to predict the future. It is like
asking us if it is safe to drive a 100mph on the freeway or is it safe to
walk down a dark alley at night.

 

My mechanic also said that if the car is 'garaged' regularly, then the
interval is longer than if it is not.

RAndy

 

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

If you live in Vancouver or Victoria, the SEVERE schedule certainly
doesn't apply to you. . . Honda marketing was painting all Canadian
climates with a rather broad brush the day they wrote that one :-(

'Curly'

 

I think that as much as we Canadians would like to think we
are the same as everybody else in the world,
Honda made the right decision when saying that
Canada (at least the majority of it, meaning
Alberta all the way to Newfoundland) has cold
winters and should follow a severe service
schedule. Even the northern states are told to
follow a severe schedule.

Why take the risk to save a few dollars?? Lets
say that the average honda has a service life of
400000kms (an exageration, but that is what I am
planning to get out of mine...)

Thats 4 t-belt changes, at about $500 bucks at the dealer, or $100 bucks
if done yourself.
Thats $2000 or $400 for the life of the car,
probably about 10-12 years.

If we follow the regular schedule, its only 2.5 times, or $1000/$200.

So $1000 bucks over 10-12 years, less than $100
per year, versus a possible rebuild of the
cylinder head.

PLUS I think there is something to be said about doing maintenance
regularly on a vehicle.

I am of the opinion that Honda's are superior in
design. They last longer, perform better than
any other cars I've driven. I have also become
a much more maintenance conscientious driver
since I have owned my civic. Maybe its because
it has been demonstrated to me that a little
maintenance can make my car pretty much last
forever.

My last car (a nissan which I loved to pieces)
was not like this; I threw piles and piles of
money at that thing just to keep it running. A
little maintenance wouldn't have done that car any good.

My 2 cents anyways...

t

 

Thank you all who replied, it is very interesting to hear all the answers

 

Let me quote a "Warning" from my Honda Accord maintained book.

Severe engine damage will occur if the timing belt should break.
Honda uses an "interference" engine design. If the timing belt
breaks, the valves will contact the pistons and likely become damaged.

I had my Passport in the shop today, Passports are badge engineered
Isuzu, I was told that the book says it's time to change the timing
belt, then I was asked is it 4 or 6 cylinder? I said 6. I was told
that the 6 is not an "interference" engine so we can let it slide.

There is a time to gamble and a time not to gamble.

 

That is a valid sentiment. This question has come up several times in the
alt.autos.volvo group, since many Volvos from the 80s (like mine) are
non-interference. The question comes down to: one of whether the
inconvenience of having to replace a failed belt (not getting where you are
wanting to go on time, probably having the car towed, not having the car for
an unplanned day or two while it is being worked into a schedule and parts
acquired) is more important than the potential savings of stretching the
change interval. The upshot: to each their own. Personally, I change mine
roughly on schedule.

Mike

 

That may be true. But if it says it is time to change the belt, then it
is time to change the belt. You'll end up having to do it now at some
very inconvenient time in your life, according to Murphy.

 

I have been thru this recently myself. I wrote the
91 Prelude timing belt break.

If I knew what I know now, I wouldn't go past
110,000 miles on a timing belt and that's going
far past conservative estimate of life expectancy
of timing belt. I went 187,000 miles. Now I'm
paying over $1000 in engine repairs. I had 4 bent
valves and 2 broken valve guides.

A local shop is working on the head, looks like
about $500. I am taking the engine block to them
too and expect that to cost another $300.

New timing belt, alternator belt, pwr steering
belt - $80 at NAPA.

Gasket set - $180 (included oil pan gasket)

Tools so far - $75

The car was running like a champ before timing
belt broke. I hope to have it back together
sometime in May. Luckily I have a 2nd car to
drive.

Posting this just for info purposes.

 

This timing belt debate is an old one. The manufacturer's recommendation
of 60k (or 80k w/some cars) is indeed conservative, but to try to go twice
either of those numbers is just plain foolish, not to mention expensive.

If it's a car you plan to keep, I would have the T-belt replaced at or
before 100k. If it's one you plan to eventually sell, i.e., within the
next year or so, I wouldn't spend the money unless the vehicle is
mission-critical to your daily tasks and you simply cannot afford to
replace the car right now or have it crap out on you unexpectedly. At 120k
miles (or more) I would either replace the belt immediately or sell the
car immediately. At 120k or greater the original T-belt is, IMO, a ticking
bomb.

However... Contrary to what the dealership may try to tell you, I don't
believe in replacing the T-belt solely based on the age of the car.
However, any major work that requires going in that deep, always replace
the T-belt and any other nearby 'wear' items while you're there.

 

Bubba says...

How would you feel about a '94 Accord with 48,000 miles? If
not now, when?

Also, if now, what about related stuff (water pump, etc.)
at 48,000 miles? Any need to do that as well?

I'll have the car for several more years, at least.

 

Well, they say in addition to mileage, 5 or 6 years, which you are well
over. Sometimes these things do deteriote over time.

People usually do the water pump at the same time as most of the labor is
duplicated.

Then that should really be the deciding factor. An investment of much less
than a major repair now to avoid a major repair in the future.

 

If you're absolutely sure the miles are right, then not before 60k but in
any event by or before 100k. Keep everything else maintained regularly
(proper fluid levels). If you want to spend some money on something have
the radiator/cooling system backflushed

When you do the T-belt do everything else in reach.

 

can you give me a list of everything that is in reach? i am at 85k with my
2000 honda accord EX v6. I'm getting the timing belt changed this weekend.
However, i want to know what else they should change at the same time. p.s.
they quoted me $400-$500. is that a good price? im in southern california.

 

accord v6 timing belt doesnt need changing,as far as a dealer here is
concerned,until 168,000 kilometers.I was told this last week,I have a
2001,but I think that wouldnt make a difference.
Maybe you are being extra cautious,and there is nothing wrong with
that...just thought I would pass that on to you.