What are the purpose of the little plugs on the timing belt cover for? I figured they were for inspection, but couldn't see the belt at all. I'm guessing the cover has to come off, how hardis it to remove? Any tips or tricks would be apreciated!

 

the holes are for timing inspection, to see the marks on the cam pulleys to check alignment when the crank is set at top dead center, to inspect the belt itself, you have to remove one cover. There is really nothing to inspect though, the belt is covered so it won't really "look" worn. Just play it safe and change it every 100k or so.

 

I was wondering how much leeway there is in the time change intervals. I have heard that the belts are designed to go way beyond the specified time change, but I was wondering how much. Mine are both V6. I have changed them on my Prelude and accords in the past, but this V6 job looks intimidating.
Can anyone tell me how much worse the V6 is compared to the 4?

Thanks,
Rick

 

It's a pain on the v6, cost me almost a grand to get mine done, and you can slide it there are people on here with 200K miles on their original belt, but I wouldn't suggest it, I did mine at like 65K

 

I agree with 97BlackAckCL. The V6 is a pain, but mostly because of the rear cam cover. Honda sure loves to use every space possible. I had to use some short-ass sockets to remove that bitch.

Like jrmoskal said, there's nothing to see once you have the cover off. Either it's broke or not. My old one seem thinner than my new one, but that does not say anything about the inside of the belt's health.

 

I have done some 86 honda timing belts and a 91, and the worst part was the crank bolt. Any tricks besides using a massive impact to break that bolt loose, or is the 3.0 an easier one to break for whatever reason. I have two of them to do, and I'm just getting mentally prepared lol.