Timing belt replacement

[slybry]

I own a 1997 Acura 1.6 EL and a 2000 Honda Accord 4 cylinder. We plan on keeping these cars for long time. We only average about 10,000 Kms a year on each. We live in Montreal. We do not abuse our cars. I should change timing belts at 100K but the cars will be 10 years old by the time I reach that. Is is safe to wait 10 years before changing belts?

[articsteve]

If the cars were in Florida then you would probably be OK.  But Montreal winter temps will take its toll on the rubber.  There is also more than just the timing belt to inspect such as the tensioner and any rollers.  I would also replace the water pump if it runs off the timing belt.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Check with the dealer and/or call Honda Canada.

Follow Artic's advice.

At least you know enough to actually do it!

[ericthejet]

The Honda owners manual will actually give different info. based on driving conditions.  I think the T-belt in your car and climate will fall under the extreme weather/useage column.  I would change them after 10 years.  If you have been looking after your coolant than you may not need to change the water pump at the same time.  My 84 civic had the origanal wpump til the day she was left at the scrapyard.  My opinion only as many suggest to change the wpump at the same time as you do the timing belt. It's your call.  History will say that you can omit the wpump.  Make sure you only use Honda/Acura coolant as this product is premixed.  Very important to note as many people have mixed it despite being ready to pour into the engine.  I would also suggest using synthetic oil.  Mobil 1 is a good choice and not too expensive.  I going on my thirs Honda and have picked up a few tricks and advice over the years.

[safristi]

Eric where's the best place ta "Pick up a few tricks" and how "over the years" were they..."When being chased,gas it!"..

[camarobuyer86]

I live in Florida.   Does the 85-92 degree weather not qualify as extreme temperature conditions?? my 91 Camaro I just bought with 102K miles.   should I do a timing belt change?

[camarobuyer86]

I should also ask: does the 91 Camaro have a timing belt? or a timing chain?  Ive heard that the timing chains are more durable, and can last longer.

[ericthejet]

Your Camaro has a timing chain.  I do not know what the service limit on the chain is but you could call the local GM dealership to get the spec.  The chain is more durable and will last longer.  It is also heavy and needs to use up some HP to turn. ie. weight of the chain compared to a timing belt.  Most cars from Japan that have 4 cylinder engines used a timing belt but they are now starting to switch over to lightweight timing chains.

[davidm]

On a Honda engine it is an interference-style so you want to be on the safe-side with the timing belt.  That baby goes while you are driving and bye-bye engine.  The usual rule of thumb is 6 years 100,000kms - you might stretch the time a bit, but not much I would expect.

Great thing about Miatas, non-interference engines.  Belt breaks, cars stops in the road, no harm no foul (other than the belt itself).

[safristi]

Why produce an "Interference" type top end..is it cheaper or cynically ..to force more repairs??
just a thought....

[Roadrunner]

Just to get the ricers to spend more.

[barrie1]

Lots more on a new engine when the belt breaks. These cars are not so cheap anymore when you have to spend that kind of money.

[camarobuyer86]

Those Miata non-interference belts dont sound so good.   Here in the US we have speed-limit maximums of 65 MPH on our interstates.  Which means everybody is going 75.   You break a non interference belt and the guy on your tail has his front grill sitting in your back seat.  How many of you curse out the slow guy on the interstate? but if hes driving an old car, hes doing the safe thing by driving slow. Its 2005.   We have 98% success sending astronauts into space and then back on earth in one piece.  BUT we cant invent a new engine that makes timing chains obsolete.

[Roadrunner]

Umm, Camaro, The point made here is: why can't they (Honda, etc) make interference engines with timing CHAINS. Not belts.

I think the point should be: do the Proper Maintenance and do it on a consistant and regular basis.

You don't want to make timing chains obsolete.

If they (manufacturers) want to keep making interference engines they have to learn to stop making them require belts.

My GM has a NON-interference engine with a timing chain. The way they SHOULD be built.

Timing CHAINS aren't infalible. They DO tend to stretch with old age but usually don't cause timing problems for the life of the engine.

I had an 88' GM Corsica 4 banger that had 300+ kms on it when I took it to the scrapper, and NOT ONCE during that time did I have to change the timing Belt. The manufacturer recommended changing it at 160kms but it wasn't necessary.

There's nothing wrong with having a timing BELT on a NON-interference engine either.  

From what I have read (as if you can believe everything you read) the timing BELTS break because the water pump has seized. IF proper MAINTENANCE has been done to the engine, with the Recommended coolant being changed on a regular basis and the water pump changed IF the coolant starts to leak from the water pump's weep holes, You DON'T/won't HAVE to replace BROKEN TIMING BELTS.

The engines are balanced according to whether or not it has a belt or chain. The weight difference is irrelevent.      

This, despite what some may claim, is NOT a rant. Just my 2 cents, is all.

[barrie1]

I agree with the diagnosis Roadr but when the time is up on the milage it is usually pretty darn close to the limit. The engineers factor the lifespan of these parts in to their design. They are a warning tho that you are getting close to the time you need to do this service work. Fix it before it breaks.  

[maritime_storm]

Actually to give credit where it's due, GM has been smart and taken lots flack for it, by equipping almost all of their engines with timing chains. Pros; Chains are designed to last the life of the engine, engines can be made shorter{chains are narrower and don't require room for servicing like a belt does}, and have a lower failure rate. Cons; they stretch, are more sensitve to oil change intervals, and rattle terribly. This last point is one reason like OHC GM 4 cylinder have gotten the raking they do by the car reviewers, a chain driven valve train sounds rough.

[barrie1]

One more advantage to the chain is the price of them. A really good hi-quality Race engine used a chain by Cloyes Manufacturing. These are at least double or triple style chains and will last almost forever. The price for mine in my Small Block Truck engine was only $45.00 new. I installed this when I built the engine by hand new.

[safristi]

Barrie how much fer the new HAND..is the middle digit still workin'...or did you have to replace it after 100,000 flicks!!!!

(Message edited by safristi on December 18, 2004)

[barrie1]

Yes the hand still works to some degree, especially the middlefinger. You can picture the salute I am giving your post right now. It was usually the 2 gears that wear out before the timing chain does. The last 15 or so years some of the builders are using nylon teeth on them and they don't last as long as steel. I have replaced a no. of them in the shop here.  I believe it was Ford who started this as that is a common problem on their V8 engines.

[Roadrunner]

Another one of 'Ford's better ideas' eh?.  
Barrie do you mean nylon GEAR teeth or nylon chainlinks? Or both? Maybe I misread what you said. Anyway, does it (in YOUR estimation) make sense or is it logical to use nylon/poly? gears AND/or nylon timing chains OR would there be too much heat build up for that to work?
I have no idea how much these new nylon/plastics can handle today.
If this would work indefinitely, I would think the manufacturers would have the monopoly on that.