Im in the same boat Greathusky, 2003 w/253,000 3rd owner. tranny was replaced at 90,000 and timing belt at 139,000. Now i just did a 3x1 flush on the tranny to see how see will react and she is doing great. Now im really considering doing the timimg belt myself with oem parts. I read all the post here and i think i will try to keep her alive til atleast 400k. i drive all highway miles so i think she could make it.

just one question for everyone? should i replace all of the following:
waterpump/timingbelt/all tensioners/idlers/all belts ? or just timing belt and water pump? and leave the original tensioners and idlers

 

Hey Toyrotor, if ya feel good about being capable of replacing the T-belt yourself, that's a big $ savings with associated labor expense.
My question to you is: if this is indeed the case, then why in good God's creation would you not spend a few more bucks on parts ?

I could understand if ya just wanted to chance it, but for all the more these extra parts will cost, ya made up for in DIY labor. The main point here is your stated desire to keep the ol gal running up to 400k. Do the right thing and treat her with the best and you'll get it all back.

 

3.2TLc Thanks for the reply, The only reason it raised a question was cause my brother-n-law works at acura "service writer" and he said they dont stock the other parts cause it wasnt common to change them all. But I know with a car with that many miles, There bound to give out soon. and since it will be all apart i might as well do it. I guess he thinks "she" will not last much longer. But i know she will. thanks.

 

Sport shift is the ONLY way I drive my car, I get way less tranny shudder this way.

 

So Glockgen4, just how does it normally shift if left in regular "Drive" mode ?
I take it that ya have alot of shuddering, can't be good !