Timing Belt??

[chasineyes]

We have a 97 accord with 187,000 miles. We have never had the belt changed. I got a coupon from a Honda Dealer to have it done for $720. That doesn't sound too bad I thought. My question is, would you do it? The car has hail damage and some "non-functioning" equipment. I probably couldn't sell it for more than $1500. Would you spend the money or just "stash" the money away if the car needs replacing some day??

[bobbymalone]

If that timing belt breaks tomorrow you probably won't be able to sell it for more than $150.

if you do sell at least tell the poor sap that is buying it that it needs a $800 timing belt, NOW!

[HooknHorns]

Just put one in my 96 accord. Bought the belts(called for 2)and water pump. Tried to change it myself but couldn't get the main bolt loose. So brought to a buddy with a good impact and he did it for 275. Car has 196,000 on it and plan to go for another 100000. Most people will ask if the belt was changed when their looking to buy. Should change them every 90,000.

[bobbymalone]

Most people will ask if the belt was changed when their looking to buy.

I would say that a fair percent of the population has no idea what a timing belt is and even less know that it can ruin your engine if it breaks.

I had a 97 accord lx and replaced the timing belt at 125K. The mechanic showed me all the wear on the thing. I change them every 90K now. Also, I had mine done at a local mechanic in Roseville for about 500. Even with the coupon, the dealer is gonna be spendy.

No offense to anybody, but I wouldn't be comfortable selling a car to someone without at least warning them that it has timebomb inside that is 100,000 miles past due.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Most Hondas are interference engine. If the belt breaks it will bend valves. Sometimes you get lucky, most of the time you don't. Its always a lot cheaper to change them before they break not to mention that it gets replaced when its convenient not when you are least expecting it. You got your moneys worth out of it and since it should be the second belt think of it as getting this one at half price!

[Iron Cowboy]

I have honda's too I guess it would depend on your situation. If you need it as a daily driver I would change it. if not maybe take a chance, it probably will be fine. Ive seen them go over 200k and be fine. Its just if it does go its straight to the bone yard. I would guess if its going to go it would be when its really cold out.

[deadeye]

Change it!

It wont ever break when its convienent. However, it can be replaced at your convinence.

Take it to a local shop and save yourself the extra money the dealer is charging you to do the same thing.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I agreee, You can certainly price shop. You may be surprised at the differences and the recommendations. You can expect at least a T-Belt, Balancer belt (if equipped), and a valve cover gasket. Additional items would include things like the water pump, coolant flush, tensioners, idler pulleys, and serp belts. With that many miles I would probably get the water pump. Since it is driven by the timing belt its really convenient to change it while the belt is off.

[Ralph Wiggum]

I'd change it. Just had the T-belt on our '04 Accord changed. $720 sounds reasonable. I checked with a few shops and that was in line with what I could find.

[solbes]

My old Civic had three replacement timing belts and the engine was still strong when I got rid of it @ 230k miles. If the belt goes, so also goes your Accord at 187k miles. Get the work done, but shop around a little bit. I got mine done for a lot less than that at a chain operated mechanic shop.

[chasineyes]

Thanks for the nudge...I have it scheduled to be changed next monday. Found a private shop for $430.+!!

[Dozer]

That sounds alot more realistic for a $1500 car.

[solbes]

That sounds about what I was paying too. Good to hear the Accord lives. Afterall Honda's don't die, they just rust away...