Hey forum. I'm concerned about my timing belt.


My car is at 206,000 miles, and is about due for a timing belt service. The problem is I'm really broke right now and don't have the $1,300 my mechanic quoted. I would do it myself as I have an understanding of how to do it, but I don't have the tools or timing belt kit itself. I don't even have the money to buy either right now.


I use my car primarily to get back and forth from my university. I just made the trip home and I don't have to go back until January. The trip is about 170 miles where I can cruise a 75 MPH at just under 2k RPM.


My question is this: About how many more miles do you think my timing belt will last me? Is it easier on the belt that when I drive I try to keep the RPMs under 2k (So I don't jump time or snap the 100k belt) I've read that they're more likely to jump time than actually break (engine gets fucked either way). I know it's not a question of if the service needs to be done, but I really don't have the money for it at the moment.


I hate to gamble with something as expensive as this, but I really have no choice at the moment.

 

Quit worrying about it. Its not like they just fail at the 100k mark. I have run every one of mine to 200k + miles. Age is far worse on the belt than miles. Get to it when you can (the sooner the better, ie dont let it go a few years

 

So even though it's about at the 7 year mark it shouldn't be a massive concern as long as I get it done by.. lets say summer time?

 

When was the last timing belt service done ?

When I had my TL-P engine it had 220k miles original timing belt and it had cracks all over, boy was I worried, I still have it in a box along with the water pump. I'll post pics later so you can see an example of what a bad belt looks like.
The important thing is that it never gave up. So yes it can hold throughout the winter. You can always take the front cover off so you can inspect the belt , thats how I found out mines needed replacement.

 

I don't know the exact date or milage of the replacement, other than it was done "on time", as per word of the original owner whom I bought the car from. Carfax says the car was driven 14k miles a year average, so if my math is correct that means it hit 100k miles some time in 2007. That having been said, it'll be 7 years give or take in early 2014.


I've taken a quick look at the power steering pump belt and didn't see any cracking, so I suspect the timing belt is in similar shape, but I'd have to take the time to really look at it. Even the really tiny cracks that are tough to see are bad news.

 

When I changed my belt last year, it only had about 100k miles on it. Pulling it out, it still looked like it was new and ready to go. No cracks at all. Still have it too. That was the only time the belt was ever changed, so nearly 10 years on the belt and 100k, I figured it could have gone another 100k easy. Time wise, maybe, but I couldn't find any cracks at all.

Just put a few bills away when you can. You can DIY it for less than 400, even 300, bucks using all OEM parts.

 

OMFG! For all you know, you could be on the original belt...

Maybe you can call a dealer with your VIN, and they will look up any work done?

 

^ There was a guy running the original belt for 400K with no issues..






Or so he said.

 

The factory recommends T-belt replacement at 7 years or 105k, unless the car was operated in temperatures of either extreme hot or cold climates, then the severe conditions cause the recommended service to be advised at 4 years or 60k.

IMO, these suggested service intervals are mainly to protect the "interference" type of motor design in our TL's. Manufacturer's also like to get the cars back for expensive servicing and also to entice the owner with new models at the dealership.

Original owners tend to be either faithful with recommended servicing or they will attempt to stretch the time and miles past the factory schedule until they get another car. So unless you fully trust the previous owner's word without having any documentation, you're on your own.

Assuming that the previous folks were local, try the Acura dealership's service records for your TL. You could inspect the T-belt's condition. In the next few months, save up some money for parts and have an experienced friend with tools help ya install the stuff. Ya could also check around for a better price on labor....using your parts. The entire job with parts should be done for 1/2 the price quoted of $1300 !!! Was that shop doing anything more than installing a new T-belt ?

In closing, as these guys were saying......just drive the car a few more months until ya can afford doing the work next summer. It'll be ok.

 

For $1300.00 they`d better throw in a massage and some dancing ladies.


Mine cost $550.00 from our long time family mechanic, very good price


Shop around and see what you can find, even your local Acura or Honda dealerships will run specials.


1300.00 is way to much.


DIY will cost you way less. Last time I checked about 350.00 for the timing belt kit and water pump. Tools you can borrow or buy up to you,

 

You can get the same OEM parts (5 parts) in the Aisin tkh-001 kit for under $200. All you need is the Honda tool to lock the crank pulley, 2 breaker bars, a 4ft pipe and a set of tools. It's actually an easy job.

 

2 questions.


1. Does the kit you mentioned include the water pump?
2. What`s a realistic time to complete from start to finish?

 

Aisin kit has water pump, timing belt, hydraulic tensioner, idler pulley and auto tensioner pulley.
For a first timer who has at least performed some basic work on a car with and knows how to use tools, it should take 3 or 4 hours by himself going at an easy pace following the diy.

TIP: try to loosen the crank bolt the day before you start this job just in case its really stubborn. If you can't break it loose, go into a shop and ask the mechanic to loosen it with the air gun and then hand tighten.

I suggest installing a new serpentine belt and new tensioner (Gates OEM part $55), power steering belt, and crankshaft seal since it's right in front of you after disassembly. Gates premium belts cost $10 a piece and have NO noise issues.

 

Yeah, ya got a really good deal if they did the complete T-belt servicing with all the extra components. Figure half the total replacement costs on parts and the remainder in labor expense. But, this will vary greatly depending upon who ya go to.

If you or they like dancing ladies, the price will certainly go up for sure.

 

 

Here it is 220k never changed


and this is the water pump, Dont mind the corrosion this is just from it sitting for a year now.

 

The better quality "OEM" spec T-belts are well designed to last under normal operating conditions. While T-belts are primarily constructed of rubber, they also have an inner reinforcing core of aramid kevlar belting to add strength and durability. Through time as with any rubber based material, the rubber will normally wear with it's intended use....but the exposure to heat, cold, and possibly oil or coolant takes an additional toll on the rubber. It'll eventually become more brittle or possibly soft and will develop stress cracks.

However, keep in mind that the pulleys, idlers, tensioners....etc., which are used to drive components by the belt can also cause issues due to bearing wear and alignment. That's why it's so important to replace everything when the T-belt is being replaced. Sometimes, these parts don't get replaced by somebody in a hurry. Ya never really know for sure what kinda mood the guy that's working on your car is in that particular day.

 

When i pulled my motor out to do the 3.7 that timing belt had over 250k on it and it looked like new.

Yikes, take the front timing belt cover off and inspect the belt. is it all cracked or does it look ok.

 

Yeah, a quick easy inspection of the belt will help to put your mind at rest until ya have the time and money to replace it.
Check for any abnormal wear or contamination. Also look at the belt's brand and teeth if ya can. But it'll be ok until summer !!!

 

Thanks for all the input guys, it has really calmed my nerves. I know I'm not out of the woods just yet. Today I'll try to pop the upper timing cover off and get a good look at the belt. Only problem is my hood dampers are shot so I have to have a buddy hold the hood open or find something to prop it up with. I'll post pictures.

 

^ Baseball bat works great, ask me how I know

 

I've seen vise grips also work but they can slip so yea the bat or a broom stick will work too.

 

Smart man vice grips thats a good idea lol!

 

Update:


I was unable to get the timing cover off. Got 3 out of the 5 bolts taken out, but unfortunately couldn't reach the one by the power steering pump. If I had a swivel socket I could have done it. My lack of tools is seriously aggravating.


5th one was down deep by the crank bolt I believe. I honestly couldn't be bothered to jack the vehicle up and undo the clips for the plastic shroud on the bottom, not when it's freezing cold out and my driveway is wet. I also butterfingered one of them when trying to finger thread it back in. I wasn't lucky enough to hear it ping onto my driveway so I spent a good 30 minutes finding it and fishing it out.


However, I did get a great look at my serpentine belt and the power steering pump belt. Both appeared to be in wonderful shape with no noticeable cracks- not even small ones. I know that this doesn't really confirm anything other than those belts aren't almost 14 years old, but the carfax history report lists every time this car went to the dealer for an oil change at Crown Acura in Richmond, VA. Call me young and naïve, but I believe the previous owner of the car. Not only was it serviced at the dealer its entire life (All the way up until I bought it in 2012 which the Carfax also confirms) but the blue bolts on the transmission collaborates her claim that the transmission was replaced at 90,000 miles.


I have not a single doubt that the timing belt was done on time.

 

Hey, if it was the original owner and it was regularly serviced at a dealership, then the odds are good that all's well until summer when ya have more time and money. Don't sweat it, just drive it, it'll be ok !!! Stop worrying, enjoy Christmas, ask Santa for some tools.

 

Good to hear the other belts are fine. If you got 10 bucks you can buy a 3/8 universal and some extensions from the hardware store. If you also have a Harbor Freight Tools next to you. The prices there are very reasonable.


Or do what 3.2tlc said and chill, hang out with some friends and drink some pepsis.

 

Like others have said you will be fine. I believe a big factor is the conditions the car has seen. Garaged kept examples likely can go longer on time. I own two older legends and did not have them done until they were 15yrs old. AAlthough they both had low mileage and under the recommended mileage but double the time factor. Both always garaged, the belts were like new still. I also believe the V6 engines are not as 'critical' as the 4cyl higher revving Hondas. Now my '92 gsr had its belt done almost 14yrs ago but only 23k miles on it. Even though that belt still lokks great, I am more concerned letting that go much longer as it revs to 8k rpms.

 

After reading everyone's posts I would can put my mind at ease. I was in the same boat as the OP. Bought her in May and she's at 202k but the timing belt looks good. And I don't beat on her here in Illinois where the temps dip in the single digits so I will keep an eye on the belt. Good knowledge to read from you guys.

 

Welcome to Acurazine!
jr_deleon


I`m just north of you. Some just are happy with the timing belt change the first time around. But at 200,000 I would strongly consider it.

 

If you use them properly they will never slip.

 

There isnt one down by the crank bolt. ALL 5 are gotten to from up top.

You know you can buy single sockets/swivels etc... for a few bucks at just about any hardware store/sears and you dont have to spend tons of money on an expensive set.

 

That must make us neighbors!


I never feel good about passing a service interval without doing the service in question, which in this case is the timing belt. So once it warms back up, I will be doing the timing belt. I have done just short of a dozen 4-cylinder Honda belts, but have yet to touch a V6. Until this coming April.

 

Believe me J series honda V6 is probably the easiest timing belt to do compared to the 4 cylinder ones.

 

True. If there' one thing I have learned over the years when it comes to repair (particularly with Acura/Honda) is that it only looks complicated. But once you start (and you have the right tools to begin with) the hardest part is over. Thank you.