Thanks for the advice. I had asked these questions based on my
experience with the Pathfinder. I started with a Haynes & Chiltons in-hand
but soon found that they didn't address assemblies/procedures I was finding.
I was allowed to look through a Nissan shop manual and discovered an entire
procedure for setting the idler pulley tension that wasn't in the Haynes or
Chiltons. Worst case, I could have over stressed the new belt then...
I appreciate the input and if there is any one else with advice, I'll
take it. I will also go get the Haynes and seriously consider the water
pump.
TNX again
TD

"John D." <jcdech@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:e821bab6.0306240856.7876b615@posting.google.c om...
> An official factory shop manual is certainly the best choice even
> though they can be pretty expensive, but for now, why not get a Haynes
> manual (manual #42014 covers all Accord models 1998 and 1999) and use
> that? I got mine from Pep Boys for $14.99. I've heard of Chilton but
> haven't seen one.
>
> Or just go down to your local AutoZone/Pep Boys/Checker and see if one
> is already opened (shrink-wrap removed) as some often are, page
> through it to see how involved the timing belt job is and decide if
> you'd want to do it yourself or not.
>
> I would think that, as in most cases re: replacing a timing belt,
> there are no special tools at all, just taking your time (a liesurely
> whole morning or afternoon...in my case it'd probably be a whole day!)
> to do it...so plan on spending some "quality time" with your car...but
> think of all that labor money you're saving and the dealer/shop is NOT
> getting!
>
> I don't know if this applies to Hondas but you might check about
> replacing the water pump - or anything else requiring that same "deep
> access" routine - at the same time so you don't have to go through
> that again just for the pump later on. I believe things like that --
> "replace this while you're in there" -- are found in the "enhanced"
> maintenance schedules rather than just the "standard" schedules.
>
> Good luck,
>
> John D.
>
>
>
> "Thom" <tigresscmdlv2@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:<5FPJa.9914$C83.970608@newsread1.prod.itd.ear thlink.net>...
> > Can anyone tell me what the degree of difficulty to replace a timing
> > belt on a '98 Accord EX, 2.4L. About how many hours and are the any
special
> > tools required.
> > I have done one on a '90 Nissan Pathfinder and for a shadetree
mechanic
> > like me, that one was a 3 day job.
> > It doesn't look too bad from the outside but I am looking for any
> > pointers or 'sticky' areas. I'm also deciding if buying the factory
manual
> > is worth the game.
> >
> > Thanks
>