Timing Belt or not

[gina2748]

My 1998 Accord has 104,000 miles. It is recommended to have the timing belt replaced. This will cost about $800.00. Do you think that this belt change is necessary. Does anyone have more miliage and did not get the belt change. What will happen if I do not get it change? Please respond

Thanks

[ladyluck1981]

Originally Posted by gina2748

My 1998 Accord has 104,000 miles. It is recommended to have the timing belt replaced. This will cost about $800.00. Do you think that this belt change is necessary. Does anyone have more miliage and did not get the belt change. What will happen if I do not get it change? Please respond

Thanks

Yes you should have it replaced about every 90,000 miles. If you don't and it breaks while driving you could end up needing a major valve job. I would also recommend that you have them replace your water pump when changing the timing belt. $800 does seem a bit high and you should shop around. $350-500 is about average for a job like this on your type of vehicle.

[HONDA_99]

you need to replace it in next 5Kml, or you'll pay for new engine.

$800 is way too much, get estimates in few more places. you can call honda dealer and ask their price, that would be your starting point.

[BullShifter]

Originally Posted by HONDA_99

you need to replace it in next 5Kml, or you'll pay for new engine.

$800 is way too much, get estimates in few more places. you can call honda dealer and ask their price, that would be your starting point.

Like ladyluck1981 posted - make sure to have the water pump changed.

[jajimo]

They're completely ripping you off for $800. Shit, I've seen whole F22B engines for sale for $800.

My 94 Accord has 126,000 miles and my dad's 95 Accord has 365,000 miles. He's had his water pump and timing belt replaced several times but I don't think it cost him more than $350.

[avpart3]

same thing here. There trying to bend you over and plug you dry. $800 is more than 2x too much. I got my transmission rebuilt a while back for that price. I would say 350 you should pay the most. But I've seen it done for as low as 250. Please shop around.

[blazinmiller]

Your valves will ram into your pistons if you snap that belt!

Everyone has a story to tell about someone they know not replacing their timing belt and it breaking.
I heard a new one a few weeks ago.
A manager at a bread factory I do consulting work for had a 3 year old VW passot(however you spell that stupid name) that is need of a new engine due a timing belt that snapped at 103K.

I've never been able to figure out the reason for auto manufactures not taking a few extra steps to make engines that don't grenade themselves. There doesn't seem to be a formula.
My old 90 Taurus SHO didn't grenade itself(no I didn't snap a belt) but a brand new 40K acura will? No biggy.
Play by the manufactures rules and generally things will work out. (Esp a Honda/Acura)

[JoeK]

I just had to replace a cylinder head because the timing belt broke after 80,000 miles. The dealer parts guy said that despite what Honda says, beyond 60,000 isn't safe. He should know since he sells the parts.

$800 is twice the price. Follow the other posters' advice and get the water pump changed as well. Honda sells a timing belt kit which contains the two belts, and the tensioner. It's about $100. There is very little extra work involved in changing the tensioner so I would do that because this whole setup is a big weak link in this engine. It's actually a ridiculous setup and it has been abandoned in the newer engines.