"E. Meyer" <e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org> wrote in message
news:BD6F889A.9C6D3%e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org...
> So because damage will be done if the belt should break, the OP should
> replace it 15,000 miles early, whether it needs it or not? Gee - why
> don't
> you just change it at every other oil change and be really safe....

The belt is in its seventh year. What is the time recomendation from Honda?

> On 9/16/04 9:02 PM, in article 414a1a54_8@corp.newsgroups.com, "RMoore"
> <rmoore@hroads.net> wrote:
>
>> CHANGE THE BELT!!!
>> On an engine you have intake and exhaust valves. The are located in what
>> is
>> called the "head", which is on top of the "block". The intake and
>> exhaust
>> valves open and close in "time" with the piston going up and down in the
>> block. If a valve is open when the piston reaches the top of the block
>> you
>> now have an engine that needs major repair. It will more than likely not
>> run anymore. If it does run at all it will bring tears to your ears. So
>> I
>> say to you CHANGE THE BELT!!!
>> On some Hondas they have to remove the water pump to get to the timing
>> belt
>> and they may recommend changing it at that time. Yes, tell them to
>> change
>> the water pump at the same time. Of course it only applies if they have
>> to
>> remove yours to get to the timing belt.
>> E. Meyer <e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org> wrote in message
>> news:BD40D7F1.93A6C%e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org...
>>> On 8/10/04 7:25 AM, in article ENudnb1lfuAzI4XcRVn-hw@giganews.com,
>>> "Mitleid" <no@dice.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hello all,
>>>> I know very little of cars, so I figured I'd get some input from anyone
>>>> in this newsgroup.
>>>> I have a 97 Honda Civic EX that I bought new. It's seen it's share of
>>>> battles and the body isn't the most flawless one you'll see, but for
>>>> the
>>>> most part it runs pretty smoothly. It's just getting to 68,000 miles.
>>>> I recently took it into the dealer for a regular maintenence, and they
>>>> suggested that I replace the timing belt. I told them to pass, as I was
>>>> initially planning on selling the car as I'm moving out to California.
>>>> Well, as fate would have it it looks like I'll need to be taking the
>>>> car
>>>> with me after all. Furthermore I'll be driving it all the way (Ohio to
>>>> California).
>>>> So, my question is twofold: first, what EXACTLY does the timing belt
>>>> do? I have a rough idea of how it works with the engine, but I'm fuzzy
>>>> on exactly what it means performance and weare/tear wise. Which leads
>>>> me
>>>> into my next question: at almost 70,000 miles, would it be a good idea
>>>> (both for efficiency and lifespan of the car) to replace the timing
>>>> belt
>>>> before I take it on such a long drive? I've seen/heard of people
>>>> putting
>>>> off a timing belt replacement for quite some time, so I was just unsure
>>>> as to how imperative it is to get it fixed. Thanks in advance.
>>>
>>> Check the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual. I believe you
>>> will
>>> find the belt on a '97 doesn't need to be changed until 90,000 miles.
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> -----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
>> http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
>> -----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----
>

 

"E. Meyer" <e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org> wrote in message
news:BD6F889A.9C6D3%e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org...
> So because damage will be done if the belt should break, the OP should
> replace it 15,000 miles early, whether it needs it or not? Gee - why
> don't
> you just change it at every other oil change and be really safe....

The belt is in its seventh year. What is the time recomendation from Honda?

> On 9/16/04 9:02 PM, in article 414a1a54_8@corp.newsgroups.com, "RMoore"
> <rmoore@hroads.net> wrote:
>
>> CHANGE THE BELT!!!
>> On an engine you have intake and exhaust valves. The are located in what
>> is
>> called the "head", which is on top of the "block". The intake and
>> exhaust
>> valves open and close in "time" with the piston going up and down in the
>> block. If a valve is open when the piston reaches the top of the block
>> you
>> now have an engine that needs major repair. It will more than likely not
>> run anymore. If it does run at all it will bring tears to your ears. So
>> I
>> say to you CHANGE THE BELT!!!
>> On some Hondas they have to remove the water pump to get to the timing
>> belt
>> and they may recommend changing it at that time. Yes, tell them to
>> change
>> the water pump at the same time. Of course it only applies if they have
>> to
>> remove yours to get to the timing belt.
>> E. Meyer <e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org> wrote in message
>> news:BD40D7F1.93A6C%e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org...
>>> On 8/10/04 7:25 AM, in article ENudnb1lfuAzI4XcRVn-hw@giganews.com,
>>> "Mitleid" <no@dice.net> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Hello all,
>>>> I know very little of cars, so I figured I'd get some input from anyone
>>>> in this newsgroup.
>>>> I have a 97 Honda Civic EX that I bought new. It's seen it's share of
>>>> battles and the body isn't the most flawless one you'll see, but for
>>>> the
>>>> most part it runs pretty smoothly. It's just getting to 68,000 miles.
>>>> I recently took it into the dealer for a regular maintenence, and they
>>>> suggested that I replace the timing belt. I told them to pass, as I was
>>>> initially planning on selling the car as I'm moving out to California.
>>>> Well, as fate would have it it looks like I'll need to be taking the
>>>> car
>>>> with me after all. Furthermore I'll be driving it all the way (Ohio to
>>>> California).
>>>> So, my question is twofold: first, what EXACTLY does the timing belt
>>>> do? I have a rough idea of how it works with the engine, but I'm fuzzy
>>>> on exactly what it means performance and weare/tear wise. Which leads
>>>> me
>>>> into my next question: at almost 70,000 miles, would it be a good idea
>>>> (both for efficiency and lifespan of the car) to replace the timing
>>>> belt
>>>> before I take it on such a long drive? I've seen/heard of people
>>>> putting
>>>> off a timing belt replacement for quite some time, so I was just unsure
>>>> as to how imperative it is to get it fixed. Thanks in advance.
>>>
>>> Check the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual. I believe you
>>> will
>>> find the belt on a '97 doesn't need to be changed until 90,000 miles.
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> -----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
>> http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
>> -----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----
>

 

On 9/16/04 6:21 PM, in article
ydp2d.21507$Q7D.13605@twister01.bloor.is.net.cable .rogers.com, "Steve
Bigelow" <stevebigelowXXX@rogers.com> wrote:

>
> "E. Meyer" <e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org> wrote in message
> news:BD6F889A.9C6D3%e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org...
>> So because damage will be done if the belt should break, the OP should
>> replace it 15,000 miles early, whether it needs it or not? Gee - why
>> don't
>> you just change it at every other oil change and be really safe....
>
> The belt is in its seventh year. What is the time recomendation from Honda?
>

You're right. For some reason I was thinking we were talking about a '99.
The recommendation is 90,000 or 7 years. If it were mine, I would have no
reservations about driving it cross country before changing the belt though.

 

On 9/16/04 6:21 PM, in article
ydp2d.21507$Q7D.13605@twister01.bloor.is.net.cable .rogers.com, "Steve
Bigelow" <stevebigelowXXX@rogers.com> wrote:

>
> "E. Meyer" <e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org> wrote in message
> news:BD6F889A.9C6D3%e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org...
>> So because damage will be done if the belt should break, the OP should
>> replace it 15,000 miles early, whether it needs it or not? Gee - why
>> don't
>> you just change it at every other oil change and be really safe....
>
> The belt is in its seventh year. What is the time recomendation from Honda?
>

You're right. For some reason I was thinking we were talking about a '99.
The recommendation is 90,000 or 7 years. If it were mine, I would have no
reservations about driving it cross country before changing the belt though.

 

CHANGE THE BELT!!!
On an engine you have intake and exhaust valves. The are located in what is
called the "head", which is on top of the "block". The intake and exhaust
valves open and close in "time" with the piston going up and down in the
block. If a valve is open when the piston reaches the top of the block you
now have an engine that needs major repair. It will more than likely not
run anymore. If it does run at all it will bring tears to your ears. So I
say to you CHANGE THE BELT!!!
On some Hondas they have to remove the water pump to get to the timing belt
and they may recommend changing it at that time. Yes, tell them to change
the water pump at the same time. Of course it only applies if they have to
remove yours to get to the timing belt.
E. Meyer <e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org> wrote in message
news:BD40D7F1.93A6C%e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org...
> On 8/10/04 7:25 AM, in article ENudnb1lfuAzI4XcRVn-hw@giganews.com,
> "Mitleid" <no@dice.net> wrote:
>
> > Hello all,
> > I know very little of cars, so I figured I'd get some input from anyone
> > in this newsgroup.
> > I have a 97 Honda Civic EX that I bought new. It's seen it's share of
> > battles and the body isn't the most flawless one you'll see, but for the
> > most part it runs pretty smoothly. It's just getting to 68,000 miles.
> > I recently took it into the dealer for a regular maintenence, and they
> > suggested that I replace the timing belt. I told them to pass, as I was
> > initially planning on selling the car as I'm moving out to California.
> > Well, as fate would have it it looks like I'll need to be taking the car
> > with me after all. Furthermore I'll be driving it all the way (Ohio to
> > California).
> > So, my question is twofold: first, what EXACTLY does the timing belt
> > do? I have a rough idea of how it works with the engine, but I'm fuzzy
> > on exactly what it means performance and weare/tear wise. Which leads me
> > into my next question: at almost 70,000 miles, would it be a good idea
> > (both for efficiency and lifespan of the car) to replace the timing belt
> > before I take it on such a long drive? I've seen/heard of people putting
> > off a timing belt replacement for quite some time, so I was just unsure
> > as to how imperative it is to get it fixed. Thanks in advance.
>
> Check the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual. I believe you will
> find the belt on a '97 doesn't need to be changed until 90,000 miles.
>




-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----

 

CHANGE THE BELT!!!
On an engine you have intake and exhaust valves. The are located in what is
called the "head", which is on top of the "block". The intake and exhaust
valves open and close in "time" with the piston going up and down in the
block. If a valve is open when the piston reaches the top of the block you
now have an engine that needs major repair. It will more than likely not
run anymore. If it does run at all it will bring tears to your ears. So I
say to you CHANGE THE BELT!!!
On some Hondas they have to remove the water pump to get to the timing belt
and they may recommend changing it at that time. Yes, tell them to change
the water pump at the same time. Of course it only applies if they have to
remove yours to get to the timing belt.
E. Meyer <e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org> wrote in message
news:BD40D7F1.93A6C%e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org...
> On 8/10/04 7:25 AM, in article ENudnb1lfuAzI4XcRVn-hw@giganews.com,
> "Mitleid" <no@dice.net> wrote:
>
> > Hello all,
> > I know very little of cars, so I figured I'd get some input from anyone
> > in this newsgroup.
> > I have a 97 Honda Civic EX that I bought new. It's seen it's share of
> > battles and the body isn't the most flawless one you'll see, but for the
> > most part it runs pretty smoothly. It's just getting to 68,000 miles.
> > I recently took it into the dealer for a regular maintenence, and they
> > suggested that I replace the timing belt. I told them to pass, as I was
> > initially planning on selling the car as I'm moving out to California.
> > Well, as fate would have it it looks like I'll need to be taking the car
> > with me after all. Furthermore I'll be driving it all the way (Ohio to
> > California).
> > So, my question is twofold: first, what EXACTLY does the timing belt
> > do? I have a rough idea of how it works with the engine, but I'm fuzzy
> > on exactly what it means performance and weare/tear wise. Which leads me
> > into my next question: at almost 70,000 miles, would it be a good idea
> > (both for efficiency and lifespan of the car) to replace the timing belt
> > before I take it on such a long drive? I've seen/heard of people putting
> > off a timing belt replacement for quite some time, so I was just unsure
> > as to how imperative it is to get it fixed. Thanks in advance.
>
> Check the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual. I believe you will
> find the belt on a '97 doesn't need to be changed until 90,000 miles.
>




-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----

 

If your manual recommends 90K then that should be fine. Giving that you
fall under the "normal" wear and tear threshold. But you should at least
make sure all your other maintenance items have been
changed/replace/inspected as per the manual. I say manual for a reason.
You can not go wrong with the manual, but the dealer will try to
"sell/recommend/suggest" a lot more than you really need. Ask the dealer if
your car has to have the water pump removed in order to replace the timing
belt. Depending on your cash flow you might want to buy a timing belt
and/or water pump and bring it on your trip with you. The price of a Honda
part should be the same nation wide but sad to say it is not. I have found
a five dollar difference on the battery just in my area. Things might be
more in CA. Due to the age of your car, you might have to get yours smog
(air quality) inspected in CA. A well tuned car should do fine. A word of
warning though, in a Honda or any car for that matter try to avoid
gas-alcohol or ethanol enhanced gas at all cost. Alcohol will absorb any
and all water that may be in your tank and make the car run bad for a while.
If you were to look at STP Dry Gas the main ingredient is alcohol.

happy cross trip driving to you


E. Meyer <e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org> wrote in message
news:BD6F889A.9C6D3%e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org...
> So because damage will be done if the belt should break, the OP should
> replace it 15,000 miles early, whether it needs it or not? Gee - why
don't
> you just change it at every other oil change and be really safe....
>
>
> On 9/16/04 9:02 PM, in article 414a1a54_8@corp.newsgroups.com, "RMoore"
> <rmoore@hroads.net> wrote:
>
> > CHANGE THE BELT!!!
> > On an engine you have intake and exhaust valves. The are located in
what is
> > called the "head", which is on top of the "block". The intake and
exhaust
> > valves open and close in "time" with the piston going up and down in the
> > block. If a valve is open when the piston reaches the top of the block
you
> > now have an engine that needs major repair. It will more than likely
not
> > run anymore. If it does run at all it will bring tears to your ears.
So I
> > say to you CHANGE THE BELT!!!
> > On some Hondas they have to remove the water pump to get to the timing
belt
> > and they may recommend changing it at that time. Yes, tell them to
change
> > the water pump at the same time. Of course it only applies if they have
to
> > remove yours to get to the timing belt.
> > E. Meyer <e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org> wrote in message
> > news:BD40D7F1.93A6C%e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org...
> >> On 8/10/04 7:25 AM, in article ENudnb1lfuAzI4XcRVn-hw@giganews.com,
> >> "Mitleid" <no@dice.net> wrote:
> >>
> >>> Hello all,
> >>> I know very little of cars, so I figured I'd get some input from
anyone
> >>> in this newsgroup.
> >>> I have a 97 Honda Civic EX that I bought new. It's seen it's share of
> >>> battles and the body isn't the most flawless one you'll see, but for
the
> >>> most part it runs pretty smoothly. It's just getting to 68,000 miles.
> >>> I recently took it into the dealer for a regular maintenence, and they
> >>> suggested that I replace the timing belt. I told them to pass, as I
was
> >>> initially planning on selling the car as I'm moving out to California.
> >>> Well, as fate would have it it looks like I'll need to be taking the
car
> >>> with me after all. Furthermore I'll be driving it all the way (Ohio to
> >>> California).
> >>> So, my question is twofold: first, what EXACTLY does the timing belt
> >>> do? I have a rough idea of how it works with the engine, but I'm fuzzy
> >>> on exactly what it means performance and weare/tear wise. Which leads
me
> >>> into my next question: at almost 70,000 miles, would it be a good idea
> >>> (both for efficiency and lifespan of the car) to replace the timing
belt
> >>> before I take it on such a long drive? I've seen/heard of people
putting
> >>> off a timing belt replacement for quite some time, so I was just
unsure
> >>> as to how imperative it is to get it fixed. Thanks in advance.
> >>
> >> Check the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual. I believe you
will
> >> find the belt on a '97 doesn't need to be changed until 90,000 miles.
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
> > http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
> > -----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----
>




-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----

 

If your manual recommends 90K then that should be fine. Giving that you
fall under the "normal" wear and tear threshold. But you should at least
make sure all your other maintenance items have been
changed/replace/inspected as per the manual. I say manual for a reason.
You can not go wrong with the manual, but the dealer will try to
"sell/recommend/suggest" a lot more than you really need. Ask the dealer if
your car has to have the water pump removed in order to replace the timing
belt. Depending on your cash flow you might want to buy a timing belt
and/or water pump and bring it on your trip with you. The price of a Honda
part should be the same nation wide but sad to say it is not. I have found
a five dollar difference on the battery just in my area. Things might be
more in CA. Due to the age of your car, you might have to get yours smog
(air quality) inspected in CA. A well tuned car should do fine. A word of
warning though, in a Honda or any car for that matter try to avoid
gas-alcohol or ethanol enhanced gas at all cost. Alcohol will absorb any
and all water that may be in your tank and make the car run bad for a while.
If you were to look at STP Dry Gas the main ingredient is alcohol.

happy cross trip driving to you


E. Meyer <e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org> wrote in message
news:BD6F889A.9C6D3%e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org...
> So because damage will be done if the belt should break, the OP should
> replace it 15,000 miles early, whether it needs it or not? Gee - why
don't
> you just change it at every other oil change and be really safe....
>
>
> On 9/16/04 9:02 PM, in article 414a1a54_8@corp.newsgroups.com, "RMoore"
> <rmoore@hroads.net> wrote:
>
> > CHANGE THE BELT!!!
> > On an engine you have intake and exhaust valves. The are located in
what is
> > called the "head", which is on top of the "block". The intake and
exhaust
> > valves open and close in "time" with the piston going up and down in the
> > block. If a valve is open when the piston reaches the top of the block
you
> > now have an engine that needs major repair. It will more than likely
not
> > run anymore. If it does run at all it will bring tears to your ears.
So I
> > say to you CHANGE THE BELT!!!
> > On some Hondas they have to remove the water pump to get to the timing
belt
> > and they may recommend changing it at that time. Yes, tell them to
change
> > the water pump at the same time. Of course it only applies if they have
to
> > remove yours to get to the timing belt.
> > E. Meyer <e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org> wrote in message
> > news:BD40D7F1.93A6C%e52.meyer0SPAM@ieee.org...
> >> On 8/10/04 7:25 AM, in article ENudnb1lfuAzI4XcRVn-hw@giganews.com,
> >> "Mitleid" <no@dice.net> wrote:
> >>
> >>> Hello all,
> >>> I know very little of cars, so I figured I'd get some input from
anyone
> >>> in this newsgroup.
> >>> I have a 97 Honda Civic EX that I bought new. It's seen it's share of
> >>> battles and the body isn't the most flawless one you'll see, but for
the
> >>> most part it runs pretty smoothly. It's just getting to 68,000 miles.
> >>> I recently took it into the dealer for a regular maintenence, and they
> >>> suggested that I replace the timing belt. I told them to pass, as I
was
> >>> initially planning on selling the car as I'm moving out to California.
> >>> Well, as fate would have it it looks like I'll need to be taking the
car
> >>> with me after all. Furthermore I'll be driving it all the way (Ohio to
> >>> California).
> >>> So, my question is twofold: first, what EXACTLY does the timing belt
> >>> do? I have a rough idea of how it works with the engine, but I'm fuzzy
> >>> on exactly what it means performance and weare/tear wise. Which leads
me
> >>> into my next question: at almost 70,000 miles, would it be a good idea
> >>> (both for efficiency and lifespan of the car) to replace the timing
belt
> >>> before I take it on such a long drive? I've seen/heard of people
putting
> >>> off a timing belt replacement for quite some time, so I was just
unsure
> >>> as to how imperative it is to get it fixed. Thanks in advance.
> >>
> >> Check the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual. I believe you
will
> >> find the belt on a '97 doesn't need to be changed until 90,000 miles.
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > -----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
> > http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
> > -----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----
>




-----= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =-----
http://www.newsfeeds.com - The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World!
-----== Over 100,000 Newsgroups - 19 Different Servers! =-----