I've had my 05 RL a year and it has been trouble-free and a pleasure to own. It has 116k now so the "4" maintenance was due.

The timing belt job on the RL is a bit quicker than on other Hondas I've done (Legend, Accord & Pilot). There's better clearance and tool access. These days there are very good Youtube videos on the J series engines that cover every step. Taking out the plugs first makes the job easier. Before taking off the old timing belt, highlight the tdc marks on belt and pulleys (I use white) and transfer the marks to the new belt. Takes the guesswork out of reassembly.

With the new timing belt installed, valve adjustment was next. As expected, most valves didn't need adjustment. Of the 24, three intakes were slightly loose and four exhausts were slightly tight. It's arguable whether it was even necessary. I thought I could hear a faint tick before which is gone now - so maybe it was one of the loose intakes - a very small difference. Anyway it was a chance to see the evidence of regular oil changes - it's beautiful inside this one's valve covers.

 

Nice first post.

 

Exactly what condition was the old timing belt in at 116K miles?

 

Glad someone asked - it had no obvious wear on the lobes, no edges getting frayed, no streaks on the smooth side, but I think it was a tiny bit stretched. It wasn't as tight as they sometimes are. The tensioner was at full extension - so it was time to change it.

This was my first post here, but I've posted in past years about the head gasket job on my GS, my all time favorite car before this one.

 

That is awesome you can DIY! If you know how - it is the best way to ensure quality!

 

Good to hear. Do you push the car often or you just drive it? (not that I push it hard...just every once in a while) Trying to see if I should get my timing belt done sooner then later since I am at 66k but I have a 2005...

 

I tend to do them a little later rather than sooner. The only timing belt failures I know of were all over 170k. I think around 105k plus 10 percent is plenty safe. Car manufacturers acknowledge that timing belt life is highly variable on the high side. I think 66k is too early but if you have over-revved it once in a while you'll feel better replacing it around 90k.

 

i just bought a somewhat high mileage RL to replace my super high mileage TL(775,000). I have been replacing the belt myself every 100k. But that engine sits straight in, not sideway. How long did it take? Any special tools? My factory manual is on order.

 

775k?? Well done sir.

 

I hope I can get 775K out of my car. I have a long way to go though only 80K on my 05.

 

The transverse engines typically allow more working room than the longitudinal mounted ones

Pics of the odometer and car? I'm guessing it was a 3.2 V6?

 

The t-belt on the RL is fairly straight forward just be wary of the motor mount bracket that attaches to the water pump the lower bolt tends to seize up in the block, not always but i have run into it. as far as special tools there is no special tools required

 

Just got the service manual in the mail. Looking it over not sure I will tackle it or not. Have to poke around the engine to see exactly how accessible it is.

The Tl had 300k when it started missing. #5 cylinder was generating an error code. It was a valve issue. Took it part myself figuring it
if I screwed it up I would just have it towed out of the garage.
Turns out all the exhuast valve were worn out. They were seating
into the head a various levels. Did it again at around 625/650k.
I am pretty certain this would not of happen if I had been doing the valve adjustment.

Thanks for the info.

 

RB95gs:

I have a 2004 Acura RL I bought brand spanken....It sits in my NorCalifornia garage most of the time....covered and pampered....It has a whopping 25K original miles. I am the sole driver - owner of the car...no kids no wife's....LOL
SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT MY TIMING BELT/WATER PUMP/TENSENOR??? She will turn 10 years old this coming May......appreciate your candid feedback...

 

As a tech i say yes you should definitely get it done. There are other people who would contest, but I've just had Acura training drilled into my head and i always err on the side of caution. On that note i wouldn't get it done until you decided you wanted to drive it steadily.

 

2004? Wrong section: https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-rl-1996-2004-77/

Remember that preventive maintenance is like buying insurance... sure you may never get sick, but is it worth the gamble?