'96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance
Hi,
1st time on here... Honda recommends preventive maintenance replacement of water pump and timing belt at 90K. I'm at 91K now and things are running fine with my '96 Accord coupe (4cyl Vtec auto). Should I have it done now by Honda ($800), find a good back-alley guy, or just wait for something to happen? Thanks in advance, Mike |
Re: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance
DO NOT WAIT!
You do not want to wait for something to happen. If your belt breaks you can cause major engine damage. That $800. figure will pale in comparison. When a timing belt fails, there is no warning, so don't be fooled by how your car runs. If it were my car, I'd bring it to my dealer. I'd want to be sure that it's done right and with the best quality parts. Avoid all "back alley" guys. But if you do it outside of your dealer be sure of three things. First, be sure to do it right. Change all of the following: timing belt, balance belt, alternator belt, power steering belt, air conditioner belt, water pump, camshaft seal, balance shaft seal (make sure you have a retainer for this seal which was added by Honda later) and crankshaft seal and use Honda antifreeze to prevent any damage to your cooling system from the wrong coolant. Second, as I said before, use original Honda parts. They WILL last longest. Third, if your dealer does it, fine. If you do it elsewhere, be sure that person/shop is not just an experienced mechanic but is a Honda specialist. These three steps are the key to be lucky enough to have the opportunity to get you to be able to spend this much and more for the next time at 180,000 miles! Good luck, Howard ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike" <powerpNOSPAM@yahoo.com> Newsgroups: alt.autos.honda Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2004 12:05 AM Subject: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance > Hi, > > 1st time on here... > > Honda recommends preventive maintenance replacement of water pump and timing > belt at 90K. > I'm at 91K now and things are running fine with my '96 Accord coupe (4cyl > Vtec auto). > Should I have it done now by Honda ($800), find a good back-alley guy, or > just wait for something to happen? > > Thanks in advance, > > Mike > > |
Re: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance
DO NOT WAIT!
You do not want to wait for something to happen. If your belt breaks you can cause major engine damage. That $800. figure will pale in comparison. When a timing belt fails, there is no warning, so don't be fooled by how your car runs. If it were my car, I'd bring it to my dealer. I'd want to be sure that it's done right and with the best quality parts. Avoid all "back alley" guys. But if you do it outside of your dealer be sure of three things. First, be sure to do it right. Change all of the following: timing belt, balance belt, alternator belt, power steering belt, air conditioner belt, water pump, camshaft seal, balance shaft seal (make sure you have a retainer for this seal which was added by Honda later) and crankshaft seal and use Honda antifreeze to prevent any damage to your cooling system from the wrong coolant. Second, as I said before, use original Honda parts. They WILL last longest. Third, if your dealer does it, fine. If you do it elsewhere, be sure that person/shop is not just an experienced mechanic but is a Honda specialist. These three steps are the key to be lucky enough to have the opportunity to get you to be able to spend this much and more for the next time at 180,000 miles! Good luck, Howard ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike" <powerpNOSPAM@yahoo.com> Newsgroups: alt.autos.honda Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2004 12:05 AM Subject: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance > Hi, > > 1st time on here... > > Honda recommends preventive maintenance replacement of water pump and timing > belt at 90K. > I'm at 91K now and things are running fine with my '96 Accord coupe (4cyl > Vtec auto). > Should I have it done now by Honda ($800), find a good back-alley guy, or > just wait for something to happen? > > Thanks in advance, > > Mike > > |
Re: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance
Just wondering if anyone on this newsgroup has had a timing belt break on
them and would like to share the experience with the group? The conditions at the time, such as the age and make of vehicle, mileage, damage that occurred, cost to repaid and end results. "Howard" <Howardh@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:ECZqd.883$Dm2.552@bignews1.bellsouth.net... > DO NOT WAIT! > You do not want to wait for something to happen. If your belt breaks you > can > cause major engine damage. That $800. figure will pale in comparison. When > a > timing belt fails, there is no warning, so don't be fooled by how your car > runs. > If it were my car, I'd bring it to my dealer. I'd want to be sure that > it's > done right and with the best quality parts. Avoid all "back alley" guys. > But > if you do it outside of your dealer be sure of three things. First, be > sure > to do it right. Change all of the following: timing belt, balance belt, > alternator belt, power steering belt, air conditioner belt, water pump, > camshaft seal, balance shaft seal (make sure you have a retainer for this > seal which was added by Honda later) and crankshaft seal and use Honda > antifreeze to prevent any damage to your cooling system from the wrong > coolant. Second, as I said before, use original Honda parts. They WILL > last > longest. Third, if your dealer does it, fine. If you do it elsewhere, be > sure that person/shop is not just an experienced mechanic but is a Honda > specialist. These three steps are the key to be lucky enough to have the > opportunity to get you to be able to spend this much and more for the next > time at 180,000 miles! > Good luck, > Howard > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Mike" <powerpNOSPAM@yahoo.com> > Newsgroups: alt.autos.honda > Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2004 12:05 AM > Subject: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance > > >> Hi, >> >> 1st time on here... >> >> Honda recommends preventive maintenance replacement of water pump and > timing >> belt at 90K. >> I'm at 91K now and things are running fine with my '96 Accord coupe (4cyl >> Vtec auto). >> Should I have it done now by Honda ($800), find a good back-alley guy, or >> just wait for something to happen? >> >> Thanks in advance, >> >> Mike >> >> > > |
Re: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance
Just wondering if anyone on this newsgroup has had a timing belt break on
them and would like to share the experience with the group? The conditions at the time, such as the age and make of vehicle, mileage, damage that occurred, cost to repaid and end results. "Howard" <Howardh@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:ECZqd.883$Dm2.552@bignews1.bellsouth.net... > DO NOT WAIT! > You do not want to wait for something to happen. If your belt breaks you > can > cause major engine damage. That $800. figure will pale in comparison. When > a > timing belt fails, there is no warning, so don't be fooled by how your car > runs. > If it were my car, I'd bring it to my dealer. I'd want to be sure that > it's > done right and with the best quality parts. Avoid all "back alley" guys. > But > if you do it outside of your dealer be sure of three things. First, be > sure > to do it right. Change all of the following: timing belt, balance belt, > alternator belt, power steering belt, air conditioner belt, water pump, > camshaft seal, balance shaft seal (make sure you have a retainer for this > seal which was added by Honda later) and crankshaft seal and use Honda > antifreeze to prevent any damage to your cooling system from the wrong > coolant. Second, as I said before, use original Honda parts. They WILL > last > longest. Third, if your dealer does it, fine. If you do it elsewhere, be > sure that person/shop is not just an experienced mechanic but is a Honda > specialist. These three steps are the key to be lucky enough to have the > opportunity to get you to be able to spend this much and more for the next > time at 180,000 miles! > Good luck, > Howard > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Mike" <powerpNOSPAM@yahoo.com> > Newsgroups: alt.autos.honda > Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2004 12:05 AM > Subject: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance > > >> Hi, >> >> 1st time on here... >> >> Honda recommends preventive maintenance replacement of water pump and > timing >> belt at 90K. >> I'm at 91K now and things are running fine with my '96 Accord coupe (4cyl >> Vtec auto). >> Should I have it done now by Honda ($800), find a good back-alley guy, or >> just wait for something to happen? >> >> Thanks in advance, >> >> Mike >> >> > > |
Re: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance
I've seen numerous broken timing belts. Some are disastrous and some are
just a nuisance. It all depends on whether your motor is an "interference motor" or not. That means, is their any space between the piston and any hung open valve. If there is space then internal damage will not occur. You would have to tow the car to repair it and replace your timing belt and any other needed belts or items due for that type of maintenance. If there is no room between pistons and valves or your engine is an "interference motor" then when your motor is running (spinning) and your timing belt breaks the piston will smash in to the open valves and bend them. Depending on how fast your engine was turning (RPM) you may bend a majority or all your valves. You may even damage a piston. All bent valves and damaged pistons would need to be replaced if you wanted the engine to run again. I've seen the costs run from about $300 for no engine damage to a couple of thousand to replace valves and/or piston(s). Sometimes the cause is a frozen belt tensioner which should be inspected when repairing and replaced. Most of the time the failure has occurred after the factory specified mileage period for replacement when owners have ignored the maintenance schedules. But I have seen a few that have failed before the specified interval, though that is rare. It all depends on how a vehicle is maintained and under what conditions the vehicle is operated under. Normal or severe conditions require different timetables of maintenance. The most frequent end result I've seen is people will follow the recommended service intervals after going through that experience and then not have that problem again. And that is usually all that is required to make a Honda last and be dependable. Just follow the recommended service intervals from the factory. Don't let anyone sell you a service you don't need, such as an engine flush, transmission flush or anything beyond the factory intervals. If you follow them you usually won't need these unnecessary services because your Honda has been properly maintained. Howard "Hank" <jdoe@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:K6ednftGX45K9zHcRVn-uw@rogers.com... > Just wondering if anyone on this newsgroup has had a timing belt break on > them > and would like to share the experience with the group? > The conditions at the time, such as the age and make of vehicle, > mileage, damage that occurred, cost to repaid and end results. > > "Howard" <Howardh@hotmail.com> wrote in message > news:ECZqd.883$Dm2.552@bignews1.bellsouth.net... > > DO NOT WAIT! > > You do not want to wait for something to happen. If your belt breaks you > > can > > cause major engine damage. That $800. figure will pale in comparison. When > > a > > timing belt fails, there is no warning, so don't be fooled by how your car > > runs. > > If it were my car, I'd bring it to my dealer. I'd want to be sure that > > it's > > done right and with the best quality parts. Avoid all "back alley" guys. > > But > > if you do it outside of your dealer be sure of three things. First, be > > sure > > to do it right. Change all of the following: timing belt, balance belt, > > alternator belt, power steering belt, air conditioner belt, water pump, > > camshaft seal, balance shaft seal (make sure you have a retainer for this > > seal which was added by Honda later) and crankshaft seal and use Honda > > antifreeze to prevent any damage to your cooling system from the wrong > > coolant. Second, as I said before, use original Honda parts. They WILL > > last > > longest. Third, if your dealer does it, fine. If you do it elsewhere, be > > sure that person/shop is not just an experienced mechanic but is a Honda > > specialist. These three steps are the key to be lucky enough to have the > > opportunity to get you to be able to spend this much and more for the next > > time at 180,000 miles! > > Good luck, > > Howard > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Mike" <powerpNOSPAM@yahoo.com> > > Newsgroups: alt.autos.honda > > Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2004 12:05 AM > > Subject: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance > > > > > >> Hi, > >> > >> 1st time on here... > >> > >> Honda recommends preventive maintenance replacement of water pump and > > timing > >> belt at 90K. > >> I'm at 91K now and things are running fine with my '96 Accord coupe (4cyl > >> Vtec auto). > >> Should I have it done now by Honda ($800), find a good back-alley guy, or > >> just wait for something to happen? > >> > >> Thanks in advance, > >> > >> Mike > >> > >> > > > > > > |
Re: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance
I've seen numerous broken timing belts. Some are disastrous and some are
just a nuisance. It all depends on whether your motor is an "interference motor" or not. That means, is their any space between the piston and any hung open valve. If there is space then internal damage will not occur. You would have to tow the car to repair it and replace your timing belt and any other needed belts or items due for that type of maintenance. If there is no room between pistons and valves or your engine is an "interference motor" then when your motor is running (spinning) and your timing belt breaks the piston will smash in to the open valves and bend them. Depending on how fast your engine was turning (RPM) you may bend a majority or all your valves. You may even damage a piston. All bent valves and damaged pistons would need to be replaced if you wanted the engine to run again. I've seen the costs run from about $300 for no engine damage to a couple of thousand to replace valves and/or piston(s). Sometimes the cause is a frozen belt tensioner which should be inspected when repairing and replaced. Most of the time the failure has occurred after the factory specified mileage period for replacement when owners have ignored the maintenance schedules. But I have seen a few that have failed before the specified interval, though that is rare. It all depends on how a vehicle is maintained and under what conditions the vehicle is operated under. Normal or severe conditions require different timetables of maintenance. The most frequent end result I've seen is people will follow the recommended service intervals after going through that experience and then not have that problem again. And that is usually all that is required to make a Honda last and be dependable. Just follow the recommended service intervals from the factory. Don't let anyone sell you a service you don't need, such as an engine flush, transmission flush or anything beyond the factory intervals. If you follow them you usually won't need these unnecessary services because your Honda has been properly maintained. Howard "Hank" <jdoe@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:K6ednftGX45K9zHcRVn-uw@rogers.com... > Just wondering if anyone on this newsgroup has had a timing belt break on > them > and would like to share the experience with the group? > The conditions at the time, such as the age and make of vehicle, > mileage, damage that occurred, cost to repaid and end results. > > "Howard" <Howardh@hotmail.com> wrote in message > news:ECZqd.883$Dm2.552@bignews1.bellsouth.net... > > DO NOT WAIT! > > You do not want to wait for something to happen. If your belt breaks you > > can > > cause major engine damage. That $800. figure will pale in comparison. When > > a > > timing belt fails, there is no warning, so don't be fooled by how your car > > runs. > > If it were my car, I'd bring it to my dealer. I'd want to be sure that > > it's > > done right and with the best quality parts. Avoid all "back alley" guys. > > But > > if you do it outside of your dealer be sure of three things. First, be > > sure > > to do it right. Change all of the following: timing belt, balance belt, > > alternator belt, power steering belt, air conditioner belt, water pump, > > camshaft seal, balance shaft seal (make sure you have a retainer for this > > seal which was added by Honda later) and crankshaft seal and use Honda > > antifreeze to prevent any damage to your cooling system from the wrong > > coolant. Second, as I said before, use original Honda parts. They WILL > > last > > longest. Third, if your dealer does it, fine. If you do it elsewhere, be > > sure that person/shop is not just an experienced mechanic but is a Honda > > specialist. These three steps are the key to be lucky enough to have the > > opportunity to get you to be able to spend this much and more for the next > > time at 180,000 miles! > > Good luck, > > Howard > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Mike" <powerpNOSPAM@yahoo.com> > > Newsgroups: alt.autos.honda > > Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2004 12:05 AM > > Subject: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance > > > > > >> Hi, > >> > >> 1st time on here... > >> > >> Honda recommends preventive maintenance replacement of water pump and > > timing > >> belt at 90K. > >> I'm at 91K now and things are running fine with my '96 Accord coupe (4cyl > >> Vtec auto). > >> Should I have it done now by Honda ($800), find a good back-alley guy, or > >> just wait for something to happen? > >> > >> Thanks in advance, > >> > >> Mike > >> > >> > > > > > > |
Re: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance
Lost the timing belt on my 1986 Accord LXi Sedan at 60 miles per hour...
coasted to a controlled stop...no engine damage. I was lucky. Happened in a construction zone...not pretty. Don't even risk it. "Hank" <jdoe@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:K6ednftGX45K9zHcRVn-uw@rogers.com... > Just wondering if anyone on this newsgroup has had a timing belt break on > them > and would like to share the experience with the group? > The conditions at the time, such as the age and make of vehicle, > mileage, damage that occurred, cost to repaid and end results. > > "Howard" <Howardh@hotmail.com> wrote in message > news:ECZqd.883$Dm2.552@bignews1.bellsouth.net... > > DO NOT WAIT! > > You do not want to wait for something to happen. If your belt breaks you > > can > > cause major engine damage. That $800. figure will pale in comparison. When > > a > > timing belt fails, there is no warning, so don't be fooled by how your car > > runs. > > If it were my car, I'd bring it to my dealer. I'd want to be sure that > > it's > > done right and with the best quality parts. Avoid all "back alley" guys. > > But > > if you do it outside of your dealer be sure of three things. First, be > > sure > > to do it right. Change all of the following: timing belt, balance belt, > > alternator belt, power steering belt, air conditioner belt, water pump, > > camshaft seal, balance shaft seal (make sure you have a retainer for this > > seal which was added by Honda later) and crankshaft seal and use Honda > > antifreeze to prevent any damage to your cooling system from the wrong > > coolant. Second, as I said before, use original Honda parts. They WILL > > last > > longest. Third, if your dealer does it, fine. If you do it elsewhere, be > > sure that person/shop is not just an experienced mechanic but is a Honda > > specialist. These three steps are the key to be lucky enough to have the > > opportunity to get you to be able to spend this much and more for the next > > time at 180,000 miles! > > Good luck, > > Howard > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Mike" <powerpNOSPAM@yahoo.com> > > Newsgroups: alt.autos.honda > > Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2004 12:05 AM > > Subject: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance > > > > > >> Hi, > >> > >> 1st time on here... > >> > >> Honda recommends preventive maintenance replacement of water pump and > > timing > >> belt at 90K. > >> I'm at 91K now and things are running fine with my '96 Accord coupe (4cyl > >> Vtec auto). > >> Should I have it done now by Honda ($800), find a good back-alley guy, or > >> just wait for something to happen? > >> > >> Thanks in advance, > >> > >> Mike > >> > >> > > > > > > |
Re: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance
Lost the timing belt on my 1986 Accord LXi Sedan at 60 miles per hour...
coasted to a controlled stop...no engine damage. I was lucky. Happened in a construction zone...not pretty. Don't even risk it. "Hank" <jdoe@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:K6ednftGX45K9zHcRVn-uw@rogers.com... > Just wondering if anyone on this newsgroup has had a timing belt break on > them > and would like to share the experience with the group? > The conditions at the time, such as the age and make of vehicle, > mileage, damage that occurred, cost to repaid and end results. > > "Howard" <Howardh@hotmail.com> wrote in message > news:ECZqd.883$Dm2.552@bignews1.bellsouth.net... > > DO NOT WAIT! > > You do not want to wait for something to happen. If your belt breaks you > > can > > cause major engine damage. That $800. figure will pale in comparison. When > > a > > timing belt fails, there is no warning, so don't be fooled by how your car > > runs. > > If it were my car, I'd bring it to my dealer. I'd want to be sure that > > it's > > done right and with the best quality parts. Avoid all "back alley" guys. > > But > > if you do it outside of your dealer be sure of three things. First, be > > sure > > to do it right. Change all of the following: timing belt, balance belt, > > alternator belt, power steering belt, air conditioner belt, water pump, > > camshaft seal, balance shaft seal (make sure you have a retainer for this > > seal which was added by Honda later) and crankshaft seal and use Honda > > antifreeze to prevent any damage to your cooling system from the wrong > > coolant. Second, as I said before, use original Honda parts. They WILL > > last > > longest. Third, if your dealer does it, fine. If you do it elsewhere, be > > sure that person/shop is not just an experienced mechanic but is a Honda > > specialist. These three steps are the key to be lucky enough to have the > > opportunity to get you to be able to spend this much and more for the next > > time at 180,000 miles! > > Good luck, > > Howard > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: "Mike" <powerpNOSPAM@yahoo.com> > > Newsgroups: alt.autos.honda > > Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2004 12:05 AM > > Subject: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance > > > > > >> Hi, > >> > >> 1st time on here... > >> > >> Honda recommends preventive maintenance replacement of water pump and > > timing > >> belt at 90K. > >> I'm at 91K now and things are running fine with my '96 Accord coupe (4cyl > >> Vtec auto). > >> Should I have it done now by Honda ($800), find a good back-alley guy, or > >> just wait for something to happen? > >> > >> Thanks in advance, > >> > >> Mike > >> > >> > > > > > > |
Re: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance
"Mike" <powerpNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:NNudnWBk54A3YjbcRVn-vQ@adelphia.com... > Hi, > > 1st time on here... > > Honda recommends preventive maintenance replacement of water pump and > timing belt at 90K. > I'm at 91K now and things are running fine with my '96 Accord coupe (4cyl > Vtec auto). > Should I have it done now by Honda ($800), find a good back-alley guy, or > just wait for something to happen? > > Thanks in advance, > > Mike Howard is exactly right - don't wait for something to happen - absolutely guaranteed you won't like what happens, and it isn't a question of "if" but of "when." If you are really lucky and the engine is not grievously damaged, you at least won't get where you were going, your car will have to be towed, you will be without it until it is completed, and you will pay at least as much for the repair as you would have if you scheduled it. It's a losing game by any measure. The timing belt replacement should include replacement of the tensioner and the water pump. They are modestly priced, and the labor to get to them is about the same as to replace the timing belt. The dealer is worth it for the peace of mind. If the replacement belt fails early (it could happen, but isn't likely) and trashes the engine, the dealer can probably be pressured to make it right. I doubt you will get that from a small independent. Mike |
Re: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance
"Mike" <powerpNOSPAM@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:NNudnWBk54A3YjbcRVn-vQ@adelphia.com... > Hi, > > 1st time on here... > > Honda recommends preventive maintenance replacement of water pump and > timing belt at 90K. > I'm at 91K now and things are running fine with my '96 Accord coupe (4cyl > Vtec auto). > Should I have it done now by Honda ($800), find a good back-alley guy, or > just wait for something to happen? > > Thanks in advance, > > Mike Howard is exactly right - don't wait for something to happen - absolutely guaranteed you won't like what happens, and it isn't a question of "if" but of "when." If you are really lucky and the engine is not grievously damaged, you at least won't get where you were going, your car will have to be towed, you will be without it until it is completed, and you will pay at least as much for the repair as you would have if you scheduled it. It's a losing game by any measure. The timing belt replacement should include replacement of the tensioner and the water pump. They are modestly priced, and the labor to get to them is about the same as to replace the timing belt. The dealer is worth it for the peace of mind. If the replacement belt fails early (it could happen, but isn't likely) and trashes the engine, the dealer can probably be pressured to make it right. I doubt you will get that from a small independent. Mike |
Re: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance
Why is Honda still using a timing belt, instead of a timing chain?
Why would they not switch to a chain and eliminate this high cost maintenance item? "Howard" <Howardh@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:vF3rd.1093$Dm2.625@bignews1.bellsouth.net... > I've seen numerous broken timing belts. Some are disastrous and some are > just a nuisance. It all depends on whether your motor is an "interference > motor" or not. That means, is their any space between the piston and any > hung open valve. If there is space then internal damage will not occur. > You > would have to tow the car to repair it and replace your timing belt and > any > other needed belts or items due for that type of maintenance. If there is > no > room between pistons and valves or your engine is an "interference motor" > then when your motor is running (spinning) and your timing belt breaks the > piston will smash in to the open valves and bend them. Depending on how > fast > your engine was turning (RPM) you may bend a majority or all your valves. > You may even damage a piston. All bent valves and damaged pistons would > need > to be replaced if you wanted the engine to run again. I've seen the costs > run from about $300 for no engine damage to a couple of thousand to > replace > valves and/or piston(s). Sometimes the cause is a frozen belt tensioner > which should be inspected when repairing and replaced. > Most of the time the failure has occurred after the factory specified > mileage period for replacement when owners have ignored the maintenance > schedules. But I have seen a few that have failed before the specified > interval, though that is rare. It all depends on how a vehicle is > maintained > and under what conditions the vehicle is operated under. Normal or severe > conditions require different timetables of maintenance. > The most frequent end result I've seen is people will follow the > recommended > service intervals after going through that experience and then not have > that > problem again. > And that is usually all that is required to make a Honda last and be > dependable. Just follow the recommended service intervals from the > factory. > Don't let anyone sell you a service you don't need, such as an engine > flush, > transmission flush or anything beyond the factory intervals. If you follow > them you usually won't need these unnecessary services because your Honda > has been properly maintained. > Howard > "Hank" <jdoe@hotmail.com> wrote in message > news:K6ednftGX45K9zHcRVn-uw@rogers.com... >> Just wondering if anyone on this newsgroup has had a timing belt break on >> them >> and would like to share the experience with the group? >> The conditions at the time, such as the age and make of vehicle, >> mileage, damage that occurred, cost to repaid and end results. >> >> "Howard" <Howardh@hotmail.com> wrote in message >> news:ECZqd.883$Dm2.552@bignews1.bellsouth.net... >> > DO NOT WAIT! >> > You do not want to wait for something to happen. If your belt breaks >> > you >> > can >> > cause major engine damage. That $800. figure will pale in comparison. > When >> > a >> > timing belt fails, there is no warning, so don't be fooled by how your > car >> > runs. >> > If it were my car, I'd bring it to my dealer. I'd want to be sure that >> > it's >> > done right and with the best quality parts. Avoid all "back alley" >> > guys. >> > But >> > if you do it outside of your dealer be sure of three things. First, be >> > sure >> > to do it right. Change all of the following: timing belt, balance belt, >> > alternator belt, power steering belt, air conditioner belt, water pump, >> > camshaft seal, balance shaft seal (make sure you have a retainer for > this >> > seal which was added by Honda later) and crankshaft seal and use Honda >> > antifreeze to prevent any damage to your cooling system from the wrong >> > coolant. Second, as I said before, use original Honda parts. They WILL >> > last >> > longest. Third, if your dealer does it, fine. If you do it elsewhere, >> > be >> > sure that person/shop is not just an experienced mechanic but is a >> > Honda >> > specialist. These three steps are the key to be lucky enough to have >> > the >> > opportunity to get you to be able to spend this much and more for the > next >> > time at 180,000 miles! >> > Good luck, >> > Howard >> > ----- Original Message ----- >> > From: "Mike" <powerpNOSPAM@yahoo.com> >> > Newsgroups: alt.autos.honda >> > Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2004 12:05 AM >> > Subject: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance >> > >> > >> >> Hi, >> >> >> >> 1st time on here... >> >> >> >> Honda recommends preventive maintenance replacement of water pump and >> > timing >> >> belt at 90K. >> >> I'm at 91K now and things are running fine with my '96 Accord coupe > (4cyl >> >> Vtec auto). >> >> Should I have it done now by Honda ($800), find a good back-alley guy, > or >> >> just wait for something to happen? >> >> >> >> Thanks in advance, >> >> >> >> Mike >> >> >> >> >> > >> > >> >> > > |
Re: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance
Why is Honda still using a timing belt, instead of a timing chain?
Why would they not switch to a chain and eliminate this high cost maintenance item? "Howard" <Howardh@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:vF3rd.1093$Dm2.625@bignews1.bellsouth.net... > I've seen numerous broken timing belts. Some are disastrous and some are > just a nuisance. It all depends on whether your motor is an "interference > motor" or not. That means, is their any space between the piston and any > hung open valve. If there is space then internal damage will not occur. > You > would have to tow the car to repair it and replace your timing belt and > any > other needed belts or items due for that type of maintenance. If there is > no > room between pistons and valves or your engine is an "interference motor" > then when your motor is running (spinning) and your timing belt breaks the > piston will smash in to the open valves and bend them. Depending on how > fast > your engine was turning (RPM) you may bend a majority or all your valves. > You may even damage a piston. All bent valves and damaged pistons would > need > to be replaced if you wanted the engine to run again. I've seen the costs > run from about $300 for no engine damage to a couple of thousand to > replace > valves and/or piston(s). Sometimes the cause is a frozen belt tensioner > which should be inspected when repairing and replaced. > Most of the time the failure has occurred after the factory specified > mileage period for replacement when owners have ignored the maintenance > schedules. But I have seen a few that have failed before the specified > interval, though that is rare. It all depends on how a vehicle is > maintained > and under what conditions the vehicle is operated under. Normal or severe > conditions require different timetables of maintenance. > The most frequent end result I've seen is people will follow the > recommended > service intervals after going through that experience and then not have > that > problem again. > And that is usually all that is required to make a Honda last and be > dependable. Just follow the recommended service intervals from the > factory. > Don't let anyone sell you a service you don't need, such as an engine > flush, > transmission flush or anything beyond the factory intervals. If you follow > them you usually won't need these unnecessary services because your Honda > has been properly maintained. > Howard > "Hank" <jdoe@hotmail.com> wrote in message > news:K6ednftGX45K9zHcRVn-uw@rogers.com... >> Just wondering if anyone on this newsgroup has had a timing belt break on >> them >> and would like to share the experience with the group? >> The conditions at the time, such as the age and make of vehicle, >> mileage, damage that occurred, cost to repaid and end results. >> >> "Howard" <Howardh@hotmail.com> wrote in message >> news:ECZqd.883$Dm2.552@bignews1.bellsouth.net... >> > DO NOT WAIT! >> > You do not want to wait for something to happen. If your belt breaks >> > you >> > can >> > cause major engine damage. That $800. figure will pale in comparison. > When >> > a >> > timing belt fails, there is no warning, so don't be fooled by how your > car >> > runs. >> > If it were my car, I'd bring it to my dealer. I'd want to be sure that >> > it's >> > done right and with the best quality parts. Avoid all "back alley" >> > guys. >> > But >> > if you do it outside of your dealer be sure of three things. First, be >> > sure >> > to do it right. Change all of the following: timing belt, balance belt, >> > alternator belt, power steering belt, air conditioner belt, water pump, >> > camshaft seal, balance shaft seal (make sure you have a retainer for > this >> > seal which was added by Honda later) and crankshaft seal and use Honda >> > antifreeze to prevent any damage to your cooling system from the wrong >> > coolant. Second, as I said before, use original Honda parts. They WILL >> > last >> > longest. Third, if your dealer does it, fine. If you do it elsewhere, >> > be >> > sure that person/shop is not just an experienced mechanic but is a >> > Honda >> > specialist. These three steps are the key to be lucky enough to have >> > the >> > opportunity to get you to be able to spend this much and more for the > next >> > time at 180,000 miles! >> > Good luck, >> > Howard >> > ----- Original Message ----- >> > From: "Mike" <powerpNOSPAM@yahoo.com> >> > Newsgroups: alt.autos.honda >> > Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2004 12:05 AM >> > Subject: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance >> > >> > >> >> Hi, >> >> >> >> 1st time on here... >> >> >> >> Honda recommends preventive maintenance replacement of water pump and >> > timing >> >> belt at 90K. >> >> I'm at 91K now and things are running fine with my '96 Accord coupe > (4cyl >> >> Vtec auto). >> >> Should I have it done now by Honda ($800), find a good back-alley guy, > or >> >> just wait for something to happen? >> >> >> >> Thanks in advance, >> >> >> >> Mike >> >> >> >> >> > >> > >> >> > > |
Re: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance
"Hank" <jdoe@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:8PmdnTmbTOXBsjDcRVn-2A@rogers.com... > Why is Honda still using a timing belt, instead of a timing chain? > Why would they not switch to a chain and eliminate this high cost > maintenance item? > Timing chains are also high cost maintenance items. They may not break quite as often as timing belts do, but they can jump at even lower mileage than the replacement interval for timing belts. The normal failure mode for a chain is wear of the link pivot areas so the chain appears to stretch. Bicycle chains often "stretch" so much they are an entire link longer than a new one. I had a 1984 Dodge 600 (like a LeBaron) with a Mitsubishi power train, and I got rid of it at 90K miles because the timing chain had developed enough slack that it was rubbing on the timing chain cover in spite of the snubber being at the end of its travel. The first step in changing the timing chain: remove engine. Toyota engines in the 80s were notorious for chewing holes in the timing chain covers, and my #2 son and I spent most of a week changing the timing chain in his '82 Corolla... about a month before it threw a rod (sob). Mike |
Re: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance
"Hank" <jdoe@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:8PmdnTmbTOXBsjDcRVn-2A@rogers.com... > Why is Honda still using a timing belt, instead of a timing chain? > Why would they not switch to a chain and eliminate this high cost > maintenance item? > Timing chains are also high cost maintenance items. They may not break quite as often as timing belts do, but they can jump at even lower mileage than the replacement interval for timing belts. The normal failure mode for a chain is wear of the link pivot areas so the chain appears to stretch. Bicycle chains often "stretch" so much they are an entire link longer than a new one. I had a 1984 Dodge 600 (like a LeBaron) with a Mitsubishi power train, and I got rid of it at 90K miles because the timing chain had developed enough slack that it was rubbing on the timing chain cover in spite of the snubber being at the end of its travel. The first step in changing the timing chain: remove engine. Toyota engines in the 80s were notorious for chewing holes in the timing chain covers, and my #2 son and I spent most of a week changing the timing chain in his '82 Corolla... about a month before it threw a rod (sob). Mike |
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