Two400

I wrote a post a long time ago wondering if I should replace the timing chain at 72,000.

Well everyone said it was okay still.

Now it's 108,000 though, and I'm reading different things about when to replace it. Some people have said 105,000. I can't exactly afford to replace it, as it costs $590 the dealer told me. What happens if I don't replace the timing chain? Are there any warning signs that will tell me when it needs to be replaced?

Two400

Oh yeah it's a 4 cylinder LX

BLKFLSH

The timing "chain" should never need replacement. It should last as long as the rest of the engine. The timing "Belt" on the V6 should be changed at 105k miles.

Skeeter7424

BLKFSH is pretty much correct. there is a factory specified way to check the timing chain, however i did it on a car with 208,000 miles, and it wasnt even close. also, the price the dealer gave you isnt for the timing chain, thats for a timing belt. a timing chain is TONS more expensive. i have had to order them for warrantee jobs.

any other q's feel free

...skeeter...

franklinhid

^exactly. maybe you are referring to the serpentine belt?that sounds like the going rate at the dealer.

is the belt you talking about visible when you open your hood? if so thats the serpentine belt.

Skeeter7424

$600 FOR A SERP BELT?!?! holy crap i hope not. that belt is no more than $100, and I know we dont get 5 hours labor to do it...i fk'in wish!!!

...skeeter...

franklinhid

how much do u guys get for it? also what is your hourly rate up there? down here its like 110 i believe.

BLKFLSH

$590 Sounds about right for a timing belt job. That's actually pretty low for a dealership. I can't imagine a drive/serpentine belt change would cost more than $100. Any more would be highway robbery.

franklinhid

oopssssss

i mis read.hahahah. i though it said $290. $290 is high but not over the top.600, tho ouch.

reading over me.hahaha

George Knighton

I am glad that we still have the right answers on occasion. :-p

Two400

No it's the timing chain I was talking about. I actually don't know too much about cars. I just know most cars have a timing belt....which from what everyone is saying is different than a timing chain....and since mine has a timing chain then I should be fine on that front

Aantczak

Question for you Skeeter seeing as you are a factory technician. What would you do for the 120,000 mile service on a 2003 Accord EX 4cyl (5 speed)? Do you follow the owners manual to the T?

Ross 2.0

There is no such thing as a factory technician. That's a marketing meme. We are dealer techs though.
Always follow your owners manual over what the dealer says for maintenance. There are a few things I go over and above what the owners manual says as in fluid change intervals. But for the most part by the book is the way to go.

George Knighton

Same here. If I did what the dealer recommended, I'd have spent about six times what I've spent.

:-)

My daily driver 2006 V6 is over 94,000 miles and not a single bit of trouble so far.

Not really looking forward to a big maintenance in about ten thousand, but that's the way it goes. The car will have been extraordinarily cheap to run before I'm done with it.

It has been awesome. 100% solid.

Ross 2.0

The dealership I work for is the worst for adding cost to the services. I can always tell a customer that reads their owners manual over one that just follows what the talking heads in the adviser office say.

They are missing Honda's big push to have the lowest cost of ownership over any other brand.

With your knowledge you should have no problem doing your timing belt. I can have that one done in 45 minutes or less. Probably a solid hour if I have to do it without a lift.

BLKFLSH

Hi Ross
I plan to change my own timing belt, when the time comes. I've been doing some research on it, and some have said that the rear cam turns when you take the belt off. Then you have to loosen the valves, turn the cam, and then re-set the valves afterwards. Is this true, and what could I do to prevent this? Do cam holders work? Do you use them when doing a timing belt?

Ross 2.0

Never used cam holders on a V6, if the cam turns I just turn it back, If it does turn you didn't have it fully on TDC. Never had a problem either way though.

BLKFLSH

Thanks Ross. I've changed the timing chain on my 4cylinder S-10 (loose tensioner) but this will be my first V6. Still have almost 40k miles to go.

Ross 2.0

I can do the timing belt faster on your car than any 4 cylinder. Even a 92-95 civic.

KWayRacing

Whats your record time start to finish?

Ross 2.0

On a modern V6? Probably about 15 minutes.

Evs-One

There's no way you're doing a complete t-belt job in 15 minutes....running to running.

HONDAPARTSMANMIKE

hey i give you credit if you can get it done in 15 mins but thats inpossible on a good day 40mins is the fastest i can do with no interruptions. are you replacing the water pump as well?

stickyrice_JDM

that a lot man i got my belt replace for 90 bucks with the belt and everthing

KWayRacing

I'm calling bullon 15 minutes. I agree with the 40 -45. I am an experienced tech with lift, air, all parts laid out V6 t belt is at least 45 minutes and thats no interruptions, and no problems, and no H20 pump. I can do 98-02 in less than thrity same scenario, but v6 no way. You don't have to lie to kick it.