Awesome
Thankyou
Atlas-Gen
nfnsquared
94eg!

AZ is awesome

 

I wanted to post a short note about using the plastic zap straps. I think it's a terrific idea,, you really only need the top two on the cam shafts. I find they really hold the belt exactly while you thread the right side snug around the drive pulley, and there is no chance of that rear cam pulley jumping a tooth backward.
Also in regards to the plastic covers, if you get a rare earth magnet and put it on the back of your 10 mm socket, you can then have those bolts snug on the socket and use it to start the threads. I always clean the threads of any bolts I'm putting back into these aluminum parts, they go in easy, and the chance of cross threading or picking up aluminum is reduced. You can also magnetize the socket, if you've got the tool to do it.

 

Those are some helpful hints...thanks!

 

FYI, zoro.com is having another flash sale today: 30% off orders over $200 with free shipping. "LUCKY30". 11-2 CDT only.

Now is the perfect time to pick up one of these so you can keep up with me and avoid that tool envy

 

Thanks for sharing...that thing is a monster.

 

Oh my.
I just read through 75% of the posts.
From 4am-10:42am.
Oh LORD help me.
I do NOT like the blip way.
I ordered the 50mm part.
The kit with everything of high quality.
But- It has the Mitsubishi TB. Hmmm ?
Bought the best Aisin Kit on Amazon.
Also the drive belt, thermostat.
I am so on the fence. I have LOTS of tools.

 

Acura in Libertyville IL. quoted me $1,450 for the 105k service.
NO WAY I can afford that.

 

Another question:
I have the Aisin TB kit from Amazon that comes with a Mitsubishi
Timing belt made in Taiwan ???
Should I order the Gates T-329 Timing Belt ?
Its $22 on Amazon.

 

Tough choice. You could sell the Mitsuboshi belt to recoup $$$. Personally I would go Gates.

 

Even with that 50mm tool you still may have to "blip" the starter. Its not as scary as it sounds....well the huge pop when the bolt comes lose is a litte scary.....

 

I have 4 of these...the best...absolutely the best...

 

I purchased my TL Type S with 106k. The oil life is at 70% and there is no documentation of the timing belt being done. Is there any way to determine by visual inspection if it was done, or should I just dish out the money and get it done regardless?

 

Is there a way to get a hold of previous owner?
I'd say you're kinda shooting in the dark here but look at the timing covers and see if the bolts show any indication of being touched...open the little access holes and see if you can see the belt (although I think you can only see the cam marks). Pull a front spark plug...see if it looks newer...

Not sure how else you could determine...

 

If it was done at an Acura dealer, then there will be a record of it. Call any Acura dealer and give them your VIN and they can check for you. It might be the same for a Honda dealership, dunno.

 

I'm willing to bet with 99.999% certainty that it wasn't done. But if there's no record, easiest way to check is remove timing covers. If it looks like a bachelor pad, dust / grime undisturbed, auto tensioner and idler pulley look like they're EOL.. time to change. You could also pull a spark plug.. 105k service includes plugs. GL!

 

Sooo...you concur then

 

 

Gah...great minds think alike.

 

Not to pile on, but this is a basic question that should have been asked/answered before purchasing the car...

At 106K with 70% on the MID, the last service was done at ~ 104K.

Are there any service entries in the Acura TL service log book?

 

I think there's a slim chance the person is someone like us that would document it, or someone that didn't have it done at an indy shop. Obviously, that's an easier route than looking in the bay, and should happen first...but I would be shocked.

 

i think most Acuras sold/on sale around 105k need the timing belt changed. The previous owners usually dump the cars at this point due to the cost of getting it done at a shop or dealer.

I would also ditto that it has probably not been done, but you can check for signs posted above. It's not hard for someone to just reset the computer just to sell the car off.

 

Finally jumped in and got this done. Thanks to Majofo for the excellent write up, and to the countless others for all of the tips. I seemed to struggle with the thermostat just as long - that back bolt was fun to get to. (Maybe I was just tired.....)

 

 

I still have night sweats about it..
yeah.. if you don't have the right tools.. it's a PITA. I might rank it a bit higher than the timing covers. Glad you got it done!

 

I was lucky I had the intake manifold off to do the valve job and the radiator hoses off...wasn't too hard for me.

 

Anyone done ATF drain/fill on their ILX? Looking for a how-to, but have only found them for TL/TSX.

 

Prepare butthole, Majofo is on his way!

 

 

Always a good opportunity to create one..
Probably pretty standard.. drain plug by driver's side wheel. Fill plug on top of the case. I could probably guide you.

 

In all seriousness, I'm sure there's either a thread about it...or it's very similar to the TL.

Just look for where to refill it (dipstick or top removable opening) before you drain the bottom. I'm sure you know it's usually a 3/8" socket square.

 

I just bought an 04 TL with 130k miles. Original owner got the oil changes done at every 3k pretty diligently but hasn't done the 105k service yet. So I desperately need the service ASAP!

I already changed the ATF fluid (drain and refill) but looking to do the waterpump and TB this weekend.

I got this kit but what else do I need ot buy?


Serpetine belt and spark plugs?

 

If you are doing the TB W/Water Pump - you might as well change Thermostat and possibly upper/lower hose while you have the radiator fluid drained.
Plug - YES, Serp Belt - YES. Brake and PS fluid flushes would be next for me.

 

Thanks martin!

Hey, is this the correct drive belt (serp belt) for 2004 acura TL??

 

it appears to be (according to Amazon's fit check).

 

hey mojofo wasp bro i just moved to austin from new york looking into doing this 105k service change wanna help a brother out???

 

My time is super restricted these days.. I can refer you to a local Acura master tech (best in these parts) who just opened up a shop. I thanked him in the OP, he even chimed in regarding water pump (240sx acura tech). I can attest that there's no one better to take your ride to. Ask for Moe:

2007 brush creek road
round rock 78664
5122848438

 

Thanks again.
Everything went great with no problems.
Is Honda coolant really needed ?
Is there another brand so I can get some
Tomorrow-Sunday. ?

 

I think it's that type II one that's pre-mixed...they say to use Honda stuff...so I kinda wouldn't mess around unless you're on a time crunch. In which case use what you can find locally and then swap out for OEM later...radiator drain/refill takes 4 minutes.

 

4-5 years ago, I would have said yes. Now, there are a few (maybe more than a few, I haven't kept up) non-OEM, non-silicate formulations that should work fine. Just do your research.

 

Why not just tell him which ones!??