Just finished timing belt & water pump install.

[sinbad]

I decided to perform the 105,000 service on my 2000 3.2 TL. I had telephoned several Acura dealers and the lowest quote was $812.00 to replace all belts (including timing) plus $295.00 for the routine service. I purchased a service manual to review the procedures before deciding to undertake this job at home.

After 6 days, with about 22 hours of labor, the job is finally complete. My car now has a new water pump, all belts were replaced, coolant flushed, spark plugs changed and an overall inpsection performed. My total out of pocket was about $495.00 which "included" the purchasing of speciality Honda tools and replacing a $100.00 *part which I damaged.

* engine mount bracket & bolt didn't line up exactly when re-installing causing the threads in bracket to strip.

I took several digital pictures which I will post later (I am writing from work while the camera is at home).

Overall I am very pleased with the outcome; however, I am completely exhausted. Even though the concept this service is simple, reaching all of bolts was not. Putting the parts was easier than taking them off since you now knew which tool would work best from which angle.

I had lost about 1 1/2 days trying to remove the rusted/corroded/pulley bolt. Even an air impact wrench with about 500 lbs of torque did not budge it.

Anyone considering to perform this at home should realize the amount of time that will be involved. Many parts are made of aluminium and can easily get stripped causing needless expense (such as my engine mount).

Since you must remove the power steering belt, a/c belt, and pulleys to get to timing belt - you learn alot along the way. Replacing the water pump only adds about 30 minutes.

I was so happy when the car started properly yesterday evening. After topping off coolant and adjusting power steering belt to "used" specs, the car was done. It seems to run a little quieter now.

Anyhow, I just wanted to share my experience.