I am going to look at a used TL that's in good shape but the carfax doesn't have any records of the timing belt. Is there anywhere under the engine bay that the mechanic would date if they did a timing belt?

I tried searching but I couldn't find anything.

Thanks,

 

1. Ask the owner if the T belt have been done and proof T belt of service... Invoice and/or receipt.

2. Look for T belt service decal in the engine compartment. May be stuck to the shock tower or engine cover.

3. Check the owner's manual service section for service history if present.

 

If the owner does not know (he may have bought the car used), there is a way to peak at the timing belt to look at its condition.


You will need a ratchet, long and short 10mm sockets, and a 10mm offset wrench to remove the 5 cover bolts. You will also need to partially remove the drive belt to remove the cover from its location (I use a long 1/2 inch breaker bar and a 14mm socket).

My belt was 100k miles old and had no visible writing when I changed the belt. The new belt had lots of white markings on it. I used the aisin timing belt kit. I'm not sure if the gates replacement timing belt has markings.

If the car has slightly over 100k and the belt has visible writing, I would assume the belt was changed recently.

If the car has over 150k, and there is no writing, it may be the original belt, or it may be a replacement that has the writing worn off.

 

Thanks guys. The car is at a dealer so unfortunately I can't ask the owner. It's an 06 with 65k so miles wise it's fine, but time wise it's way past due if it's never been done. Is the T-Belt Service Decal on the timing belt cover? I didn't see it mentioned in that video

 

Sometimes the sticker is on the timing covers. Sometimes it is elsewhere in the engine bay. Sometimes a diy will not put on the sticker.

If I had to guess, at 65k miles, I'd assume it has NOT been done. My TL was 2005 and I just did it last month because my waterpump began to leak. I had planned to wait until the MID indicated it was due, usually around 105k. That said, I monitored my coolant fluid monthly and checked that area for strange noises on a regular basis after 2015.

Some poster here mentioned that the owner's manual for my year does not have a time element so I waited. Other posters have said that the owner's manual for other J series engines mention seven years.

 

Timing belt cover is perfect place to place the sticker.
I did the TB/WP etc for my 2006 AT on Jul 24, 2017 at 90,134 miles. Somewhat early but way past recommended 7 years.

 

 

Would $1200 be egregious?

 

$1200 is on the very high side for a T belt sevice, unless that includes a major service or something similar.

$700-$1000 should be about right with Japanese parts depending on how many pulleys and possibly with water pump. Indie shops will be on the lower side.

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The belt on the one I was original so the dealer split the cost with me to make the sale and did the job for $400. It was an 06 TL MT with only 66k on it. Will post pictures when I have it back from the shop, looks brand new.

 

Would you suggest replacing the oil pump while replacing water pump, timing belt, and tensioner?

 

The aisin kit, one of the two most popular, comes with belt, water pump, tensioner, idler pulley, and tensioner ajuster.

IMHO, the belt is not the weak link. My belt, aside from having no markings, was as supple and undamaged as the new. I would imagine in many cases of belt breakings, the belt breaks because one of the two pulleys seize causing friction, causing a belt to break. That is just a guess.

In my case, the pump failed, the tensioner ajuster had a tiny bit of play, the tensioner was fine as was the idler pulley.

Given that the hard work is getting to the area that contains these five items, I'd replace all of them. None are too expensive, especially when you consider most dealers will charge you over 500 just to get at that area.

There is a very comprehensive thread that will give you more detail. It is very long so best to use the search box.

https://acurazine.com/forums/third-g...ics%2A-784622/

 

Sorry, I just realized I did not answer your question. If the oil pump is not leaking, I'm not sure why you would want to replace it. Replacing the oil pump requires additional work (the DIY thread mentioned something about needing to remove exhaust pipes, removing the oil pan, and maybe removing the sub-frame).

edit: no need to remove sub-frame

 

congrats on the new purchased and welcome to the throw your own gear club. So what you end up doing with the KBP? You better hope the oil pump assembly dont leak in the near future.

 

talked to local guy and he is replacing tensioner too for 1000 total. Appreciate your suggestion.

 

Wow, that's a lot of dough. Hope he's using all OEM parts at minimum.
Local guy with no overhead to pay, no warranty shouldn't charge more than $300-350 for labor.

 

he has overhead and his own shop, local guy just means down the road versus dralership. OEM or AISIN (I think it's same thing?)

It's hard to find "inexpensive" where I live

 

I meant Honda parts by OEM. Honda TB parts cost roughly 3 times more than Aisin kit.
Does the price include TB tensioner?

 

yes, with tensioner they were still 300 less than dealership who wasn't including tensioner