Hi - first college student car, runs great,well maintained, trying to get it ready for long journeys to college. Log shows TB last changed nearly 60K miles ago. Online I'm seeing change recommended 60-80K. Honda says when minder light comes on. Local independent Acura mechanic suggests 105k/7years. Appreciate any experiences you can share. Thanks in advance.

 

I changed mine around 110k miles. Best way is to take a look at the condition of the belt. If it is fraying, cracking, or looking worn down it is then time to replace it.
If you are having trouble starting the car the timing belt may be the reason, if the starter is working and the belt is stretched out it could misfire (skipping teeth), not start or you may start and see black smoke. a clicking noise may also be an indicator (had this happen on another vehicle) Please remember there are many other reasons for these symptoms besides the timing belt slipping. That has been my experience with the timing belt.
Having a timing belt replaced around here (San Diego) can cost you up to $1400. Doing it yourself is much cheaper if you have the tools, time and some mechanical ability. Never worked on anything on car that went as simply as I had planned.
I am sure others will chime in with their experiences, the people are here are very helpful.

When you do replace the belt don't forget the tensioners, pulley, water pump etc. Best to everything associated and underneath than having to do this job twice.

 

Hi Jon, confirmation of TB appreciated. Yes, looked it up the fix on youtube, interesting , putting stuff back together looked a bit less intimidating with nice millwaukee power wrench. Looks like I can wait 20K. Do you have any thoughts for specific preventative maintenance, decent obd tool, Hard to find work space at college. Thanks again

 

Hi M1TL, there is always plenty of maintenance on any car. all fluids need to be changed with the 2000 Tl, assuming your car has an automatic transmission, the transmission fluid is probably number 1. Look through the threads here for 3x3 transmission fluid changes. It is easy to do. You just need some crush washers (you can buy these in bulk on AMZ or eBay), the transmission fluid is expensive no matter what brand you get, there are many thread discussions here on this but if you like a definite shift feel use Redline if you want the softer shift use the Acura DW1 brand ( )

You also need a 3/8" ratchet of breaker bar. you just put the ratchet directly on the bolt no socket needed as it is a recessed square bolt. I would do the transmission fluid change regularly. The frequency being dependent on your driving style and mileage. Normal driving I can say I should have changed mine more frequently but now (after I finish replacing my torque converter) I plan on swapping out 3 quarts every oil change. I change the filter about every 25k.

Concerning the comment you made on the the TB using a power wrench, I had to brace my breaker bar handle against the ground and then bump the key to use the engine to break loose the bolt on the harmonic balancer. After that bolt and maybe the side motor mount the space is too small to use a impact ratchet.

Most all OBDII readers are fine it really just depends on how much you have to spend. I would highly recommend getting one even if you can't do the work at least you will have a chance to know if a shop is lying to you. I have an older Foxwell unit. The basic ones seem very cheap now compared to a few years ago.

Out of curiosity, your profile says you are 46, you mentioned collage, are you a professor or is this car for your child in school?

 

Hi Jon,

Really appreciate your helpful advice and tips! Re: Acura DW1 option - would that be the same as the Honda Genuine Z-1? Looked up the 3X3 swaps, makes a lot of sense - would you also be changing the differential fluid at the same time? Great to see how well TL's are being restored and maintained by forum members.

Getting all the common long journey prep done I can think of, swapped out old tires, battery, brake pads, better scrapyard donut (couldn't find new), rotors and fluids, $50 catalyst rebar weld ( thefts common in area, not a cure but hopefully deterrent). Few other things to check, learn about, oil pan drip - minor but sometimes smelly, going to look at it again after engine oil & filter change, in case its bad filter seal. Not sure if it needs valve job, but it's not too noisy. I carry a heavy duty bike tire inflator,

Putting together trunk box with oil, fluids top up, OBDII reader, basic tools for time at college. Hopefully see it through between pitstops at home & school. Often wondered why they dropped auto repair in high schools, probably EV's makes it a trend.

I'm student's dad btw! It's all new but so interesting, learning together.

Thanks again!

 

M1TL,
Being that I spent some time at school a few years back, don't overload him or her with stuff. Unless they are renting a place off campus with a lot of room the items will disappear over time. Finding time and know how to repair your car while you are in school is difficult. Space to do so is also a concern.
You can basically almost take the entire car apart with 10, 12, 14, 17, 19 MM sockets. Of course there is always tools to use that make everything easier. The bigger the job the more likely you will need other tools. I purchased some GearWrench sets of sockets in 10,12, and 14MM and use them all the time.
I think i bought the 14mm 5 piece set from ebay.
Obviously ratchets and extensions. You can go on and on with tools. I would hate to say how many tools I have. Basically if something goes wrong with the car and I can buy a tool to do the job myself cheaper than having someone else do it. then I own a new tool.
I know what you mean about shop class, I remember auto shop, wood shop, and metal shop. They should be a requirement along with cooking (wish I would have taken it) and basic finances.
I wish your child happy and safe travels and hope they do well in school.

 

One more item. I found the PDF link for the manual that was posted by Iggy. Thought you might need it.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/alzlpd489p...ANUAL.pdf?dl=0

 

Hi Jon, appreciate your helpful, thoughtful, practical suggestions and overload reminder! Agree on the cooking, finance and crafts. I have an engineer cousin who had been using the same exact dinner stew recipe 5 days a week, for years. Started experimenting with pancakes as a base ingredient carrier, interesting outcomes. Going to work through your suggestions. Thank you again for sharing your knowledge and experience.

 

Thank you!

 

Your Welcome. When I first went to school it was for Marine technology/biology. I ate lobster and mac and cheese a lot. Of course I would have to dive for the lobster but mac and cheese was $0.25/box back then. Later colleges I went for Electrical Engineering and a finally a Masters, but I go the company I worked for to pay for some of the Engineering and the full cost of the Masters. It takes longer but at the end I paid off all my student loans and the total was much cheaper than paying for it myself. Private message me if there any concerns you think I can help address.