Hi,
I am in need of getting my TLS 2002 Timing belt/water pump etc. done. Any one know of very good mechanics (not dealers) in the Philadelphia, Central NJ area ?

The dealer quote is 1700 for everything (includes timing belt, water pump, spark plugs, valve adjustments, external belt replacements and various other adjustments). Most of it is labor and I feel it is a ripoff.

TIA

 

I use Carmen's in Cranford NJ. He has extremely reasonable rates and you can purchase all of the parts in advance and bring them to him to install.

Carmen's Honda & Acura
48 North Ave E
Cranford, NJ 07016-2113
(908) 272-8708

 

drive down to baltimore on a saturday to norris acura. i will do it all for $750. a $1000 discount is worth the few hour drive.

 

^ Will that deal be around in a few months?

 

yessir, and for anyone else interested as well. just PM for arrangements

 

Neil, thanks for the recommendation. I might have to check it out, it's not too far from me. When you say reasonable, is that compared to dealer prices or independent garage prices.

thanks,

 

I paid $650 for labor only to do all of the things listed in the timing belt replacement thread

Timing belt
Water pump
cam seals
belt tensioner
etc.

He also did a valve adjustment. The dealer wanted a lot more + they add their markup to the parts.

I HIGHLY recommend Carmen's shop. All they work on are Honda/Acura.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will check out both the Baltimore as well as Carmen option.

One thing though I just noticed my car kinda sputtering as I accelerate from idle. I have stopped driving - but I think the spark plugs may need replacement/cleaning. It runs fine once it picks up a bit of speed. Any suggestions ?

Thanks

 

almost sounds like you got some bad gas, no check engine light?

 

any shop recommendations nearby the boston area? I'll definitely drive a bit to save some money. I have my 105k service coming up soon.

 

advanced automotive in canton ct. specialize in acura/honda 860693-9070

 

No check engine light. I am overdue for 105K - at that time when I was told about the 1700 bill I opted for simple oil change.

I am almost at 110K now and I think the spark plugs may need cleaning or replacement. But you may be right - it may be something in the fuel. It is only noticeable on idling or accelerating rapidly.

 

^ Does it feel like the engine is shuddering? It may be your motor mounts, if that's the case.

 

It actually sounds like if I do not accelerate, the engine will stall (stop working).

I will pop the hood open and check it out to see if I can notice vibrations though.

 

What you're describing may be a little too extreme to be bad motor mounts. Especially if it happens when you're idle in drive. It gets vac assist.

It may be bad gas or spark plugs.

 

drive up to north jersey and ill do it with oem honda parts. for 600 i can do timing belt, water pump, 2 drive belts, type 2 coolant, 2 cam seals, and crank seal. for an extra 100 ill do the valve adjustment.
i used to work at honda in passaic for 3 years as a B tech.
pm me

 

"only noticeable on idling or accelerating rapidly."

sounds like its missing. either a fuel or ignition problem.

when its doing it at idle try dropping cylinders by unplugging a coil one at a time to see if you have a dead cylinder