purplpaul

Hi,
I have a 97 3.0 CL with 120,000 miles and never got the timing belt service at 100,000 miles for a few reasons, mostly because I don't have a spare $800. The dealer says its a major issue, and that I shouldn't in any circumstances drive the car hard, like accelerate quickly. How important is this service? How much should I pay? I changed the plugs, but what else should I get done, replace the water pump, etc?
Thanks for your opinions,
Paul

Jamz

I say get it replaced.

A timing belt won't give you any warning before it snaps. And if it does snap, it will cost you more in the long run.

97Cl22

Correction...if it does snap, it will cost you a new h22. If you snap a timing belt your engine IS dead. No question about it.

EPS CL

not necessarily. my parents drove their civic until the timing belt broke and all they had to do was get it replaced. good 'ol civic

97Cl22

Thats one resiliant civic lol. Breaking a timing belt is usually disastrous unless you are able to stop IMMEDIATLY upon it snapping. If your engine runs for even a very very short while it will beat the shit out of itself until it dies and valve heads snap off and embed in pistons, you throw a connecting rod out the side of your fender, and you get covered in a nice cloud of smoke lol. Timing belt being changed = deffinetly get it done at 100k!

Cellist

Wow, and I thought all Honda engines were interference engine.

fusionnv

There some engines not sure which, but generally in high compression engines, there will be massive damage to the engine, pistons would probably be bent out of shape, etc. Basically more than the change of the timing belt. I don't think it should cost that much. Try shopping around other mechanics. On my previous honda, I paid about $400 with tune up, and some minor services.

HyDrOpOnIkToKa

i lost a timing belt in my other car a '92 maxima going down the highway and replaced the belt and never had any problems

dustbuster4

I had an '84 CRX (1st year made), and the timing belt snapped at 13X,XXX miles. Luckily it happened at start up and therefore didn't destroy my valve train.

However, I've seen some enignes really get fucked up when the belt broke at cruising speed.


purplpaul: I'd get it done ASAP!!!! $800 is cheap compared to getting a new engine (or rebuilding yours).


BTW: Welcome!

ge1stn

get it changed u are actually suppose to get it changed at 90k I KNOW THE 2.3 IS A VALVE INTERFERENCE MOTORwhich means if the belt breaks LIKE SAID BEFORE the motor will still try to run
GET IT CHANGED

dustbuster4

He has the 3.0 engine. Timing belt change on the 3.0 is at 105K miles unlike the 2.2/2.3 which is at 90K miles.

fusionnv

In theory it is inspect but at the cost already might as well change.

dustbuster4

fusionnv

I notice it kinda varies from place to place (manual wise). but I always replaced at around 90k-100k. I had friends belts break around 60k and belts breaking at 150k on them. Just do it along with pump. It better safe than sorry in this case. New engine is not fun esp if u don't plan on it.

purplpaul

I'm going to get it down and am getting quotes from dealerships. So far, they're in the $800 - $900 for timing belt and water pump.

I have a new question, is there any reason I can't get this done (maybe for a bit cheaper) at a private shop? Or is this something that should preferably be done at the dealership? I'm in the central NJ area, any mechanic recommedations would be appreciated.

Again, thanks in advance for your comments.
Paul

bbqweed

A timing belt is ONE of the most important things in a car...period. It's as bad as runing with no tranny fluid...

eaeolian

There is absolutely no reason a private shop can't do this, if there's one you know and trust.

Since some past "dealer incidents" of mine, I have everything done at a private shop, where I know the owner is honest and straightforward. It's not like you're worried about voiding your Acura warranty...and the mechanic might well be better.

Mike

98blackie2.3

I had a 93 Escort GT, DOHC 1.8 and the timing belt went at 63,000 while I was coasting to a stop sign. I had my girlfriend in the car, and we were stranded. No damage other than the belt, which was covered under the extended warranty on the car.

I always replace them at the recommended now. The inconvenience of not knowing when it's going to go is not worth the cost of replacing it. even at $800.

dulux

Do it at a private shop, at the place near me you can get all this done for around $500:

Replace timing belt
Inspect timing belt tensioner
Replace water pump
Replace coolant
Replace cam & crank seals
Replace alternator belt
Replace compressor belt
Replace power steering belt