snowman81

I think I am going to have my timing belt and water pump done at a reputable shop vice the dealer. My only concern is that they use parts from NAPA, instead of from the dealer. What do you guys think about that? Are NAPA parts good enough for such a critical part of the engine? I was contemplating asking them if they can get the parts from the dealer and I'll pay the difference. The cost to have it done at this shop is $200 less than at the dealer.

acutee

You definitely want oem parts. Why don't you ask them how much less if you bring your old parts; and get the oem parts yourself.

02TLSfan

I went to an independent Acura/Honda specialist and they quoted me $425 if I brought them the parts and $625 if they supplied the OEM parts. IMO, a reputable shop should only use OEM parts.

pmptx

Go on-line to get the waterpump and NAPA has a Gates Belt if you don't want to order both. I think the site is acuraoemparts.com. The prices are OK (better than the walk in stealership) and it is OEM.

fsttyms1

Buy the OEM parts online and bring them in to have installed.

snowman81

I called the shop just to ask if they would do it with OEM parts and they said yeah, I'll give you a new quote. He called me back in 5 minutes and told me the quote would be $28 more than what they originally quoted me. So, I'll just have them order the OEM parts and do the work. Thanks for the input guys.

01tl4tl

Sometimes OE really is the good stuff- our water pumps easily lasting 105k + are an example of quality -many cars need one at 35-50k!!

Other things like batteries and tires or brakes- the aftermarket has a much better selection of upgrades.

fsttyms1

And rubber timing belts

02TLSfan

What else would they be made of? When I was last shopping for cars the guy at the Infiniti dealership said they use timing chains and that they never needed to be replaced. Is this a bunch of BS or is a chain actually better than what is in our cars?

You seem to have a new avatar every day recently, always good for a laugh though.

01tl4tl

A chain has the abilty to stretch and actually jump a cog causing bad things to happen
The rubber band we get has a tensioner pulley and last and last

fsttyms1

They would be made of rubber, but are the napa, parts store ones quality rubber??????

Yes chains are typically better, they are also known to be noisier. Honestly ive seen more chains skip a tooth and break than rubber belts (and rumor has it hondas new motors are supposed to be chain driven)

02TLSfan

So is it a good thing that the new Honda motors may be chain driven?

fsttyms1

I have nothing against the belt type we have now. Having to replace parts occasionally is good. Its just good maintenance and time to inspect things that are wrong. I dont like the drive it forget about it parts (which many seem to think chains are)

01tl4tl

Maybe things have gotten better
Back in the day of chain drive timing- you would rebuild that motor at 100k
and replace the chain then
Todays engines- like ours- barely need maitenance at 100k and are running strong at 200

02TLSfan

^This is why I love Honda engines and have a hard time considering other car makers.

daimler560

For the record, Gates supplies Napa and Carquest with their premium belt kits (tensioner, timing/balance shaft belt)--they are also an OEM supplier to Honda Motors.

daimler560

What I wouldn't trust is crap from Kragens, and Pepboys--unless you choose the Goodyear line of belts.

Gfaze

I don't know what Pep Boys has but Kragen carries the Goodyear brand of belts and timing component kits. Kragen doesn't sell crap like A-Zone does. The only questionable product from there would be the water pump. I'm not too sure about the Cardone brand new water pumps. They look kinda cheap but you can always order the Beck/Arnley one. Those are usually re-boxed OEM parts. Napa is overrated (and overpriced).

snowman81

I finally had my timing belt and water pump changed. I had it done at a local shop and got the OEM parts. They put the old parts back in my car, so I inspected the belt. Honestly, the belt looked brand new. Absolutely no cracks at all. I'm at 101K.

fsttyms1

thats the way mine looked with over 200k on it. Laid down next to the new one the only way i cold tell the difference is that my had got dirty from the used one.

ThreePointTwoTeeEl

iTrader: (1)

about two weeks ago...I was just looking at the owners manual because thats what I do for fun...anyways My car had like 112,000 Miles on it and I didnt think the timing belt was ever replaced cause there was no way of me knowing. So Inside one of the pockets of the owners manual leather thingy, there was a paper showing it was replaced at 86,000. I think ill be good for another 100,000 Miles. WERD!! It was done at an acura dealership.