shrekfiona

Hi Guys
My car is currently at 97000 and odd miles and my dealer is recommending that I do the timing belt package. According to them the timing belt package includes
Timing belt
Water Pump
Timing belt tensioner
Engine drive belts
Engine coolant replacement

They are quoting me $965 for the same. Additionally they are recommending me to do the Spark Plugs as well for a cost $289 to do as well.

So far my car does not show the Maintenance Minder 4 (which according to the user manual would be the timing belt change) as on. I was under the notion that a timing belt was good for 105K miles. Likewise the spark-plugs were good for at least 105K miles.

The question I had for the experts here are is the cost quoted reasonable or am I being ripped off(am in Houston TX). Secondly do I need to do both the recommended service.

Shrek

BLKFLSH

It's actually 105k miles, or 7 years, whichever comes first. I guess that's why they suggested it now. I waited 8 years to change my timing belt, but I only had under 80k miles at the 7 year mark. That's not a bad price, for a dealership, but you can probably do much better, if you shop around. I also replaced the idler and adjuster pulleys, but that would cost you another $150 at least. I'm sure the dealership techs will inspect the pulleys, and advise you to change them, if they think it's necessary. IMO, it's not an emergency situation, so you have a little time. I would shop around, and get prices from a couple other dealerships. I would be hesitant to get the job done at some other shop, which may or may not be as familiar with Honda timing belt jobs. It is a good time to do all those parts at this time, so I agree with the parts list they gave you.

shrekfiona

BLKFLSH, Thank you for the prompt update. I did ask around a few dealers and interestingly they all seem to range from the $950 to $1100 range. I think I will take the advice about 7 years and do the timing belt asap.
Any suggestion on the Spark plugs at 97000 odd miles? Quick look up tells me the cost of even the top of the line spark plug will be below $100. Do you think that it can be done by someone with limited experience in removing car parts(I have changed my share of Cabin Air Filters, rotated tires, topped of fluids and have changed spark plugs on motorcycles) or is it better/safe to bite the bullet and pay the dealer the $289.

BLKFLSH

Changing the plugs can be a challenge, espcially on the rear bank. IMO, you need to use a torque wrench, and one of the magnetic spark plug tools with the extension permanently attached to the socket (5/8"). When using a regular spark plug socket, and regular extension, the extension will pull out of the socket, leaving the socket down inside the tube on the plug. Use either NGK or Denso long life irridium plugs, which are the stock brands. The plugs are torqued to 13 ftlbs. Advance Auto parts has the 3/8" drive magnetic spark plug tool, and the NGK plugs for around $10 per plug. The tool is a GearWrench brand, with 5/8" socket. Picture below.

shrekfiona

BLKFLSH Thank you for the detailed picture post. You have inspired me to change the spark plug as a weekend project.

As far as the timing belt change goes, just for the sake of comparison I asked another relatively smaller mechanic in my locality (Christian Brothers) who said that they can get the timing belt along with whatever is required (tensioner, pump etc) for between $550 and $700). They said that they would use a different OEM timing belt which they claim would exceed what is being used by Honda but would get the actual Honda parts if I insist.

So far I have been a dealer exclusive repair guy. The timing belt seems to be a major change both work wise and cost wise. So debating between taking to the dealer and a local mechanic. Any suggestions/comments from you guys is much appreciated.

MSchu

what blckfish said... shopping around is a better solution for you if you need to save some money, but really... mos of that can be done at home if you are mechanically inclined. for some, it's less painful and more convenient to let someone else do it even if they could do it themselves.

BLKFLSH

If you think the Christian Brothers can do the job, it sounds like a good deal. I did my timing belt in the driveway, and everything turned out great, so any competent mechanic should be able to get it right. The most difficult part was finding something strong enough to remove the crank pulley bolt. I suggest changing the idler and adjuster pulleys, especially if there are black marks from the back side of the belt on them, suggesting the belt was slipping.

94vtecmn

You can find the "kit" for right about $200 shipped that will have all the parts you need except anti-freeze.

BLKFLSH

I had bought a kit that only included the belt, water pump, and drive belt, then decided to buy more parts (tensioner, pulleys) after a rattle developed under the covers. Had I known I was going to need all those parts, I could have saved some money on a kit like this one. I probably spent over $100 more, buying the parts seperately.

BLKFLSH

By the way, NGK advises not to use anti-seize on the plug threads.
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/pdf/TB-...1antisieze.pdf

Cali_Accord

Do it all urself bro!! if u dont kno how, then learn..spend the extra money u have from there ridiculous quote on high performance parts, so ur ride csn be legit & safe from future problems.. Get silicone hoses and hk plug wireing, check ur coolant reservoir for grim, if it has, then flush.. Ps invest in an after market alluminum radiator.. Everything is better, heats fastrr cools quicker and ofcourse doesnt rust or dirty ur coolant like ur current plastic

BLKFLSH

Changing a timing belt on one of these engines is not something most ordinary people should try to do themselves. I don't know anyone who would try it, and most of my old friends don't even change there own oil anymore. I know a few people who I would advise not to even open their own hood, because chances are, they would do more harm than good.

shrekfiona

Follow up to help someone in the future, After the dealer offered a decent discount (with a "special promotional offer"- 20%), I got it done in Houston for about $750(with tax close to $800).
I am sure I could have gotten it done for at least a $100 less at a few smaller shops, I chickened out in the belief that as this involves taking apart the engine, the dealer would probably offer a better support.

BLKFLSH

That's great. Now you don't have to worry about expensive maintenance again for another 7 years or 105k miles. I was so pleased with myself after my timing belt job was done, and everything turned out good. I don't know if I'll still have this car, when it's time to change the belt again. She runs so smooth, I just don't see the need for a new car. Happy Hondaing

hometheaterman

I'm not sure if you've done the plugs yet or not, but if you haven't don't pay someone to do it. They are super easy on this car. I was really worried about doing the rear plugs on this car, but they weren't hard to get to at all. It literally is a 10 minute job at most. I used one of the beam style torque wrenches as pictured above because that was the only one I had that went to 13 ft lbs. My nice ones are for inch lbs or 50+ ft lbs.

I did have trouble using the torque wrench on a couple rear ones so I just used a ratchet on them and hand tightened them.

With Advance Auto Parts online coupons I got all of the plugs for like $40. I went with the NGK Iridiums and haven't had any issues although the factory ones were Denso. Then I spent approximately 10 minutes changing them out. It's not worth paying anyone anywhere near $200 for the job. Heck, I would pay someone $75 to do it.

The timing belt on the other hand, I also paid someone to do and while mine cost a bit more than yours, I think it was probably worth it. I do wish I'd gone with another shop, but I don't know that it's something I could have done myself.

shrekfiona

@BLKFLSH Could not agree with you more. The car felt as smooth as the first day I drove out of the dealership.
@hometheaterman Yes I intend to do the spark plugs by myself. I am sure for the cost quoted I can get the right tools along with the parts. Will do it soon.

Racer02gtstang

Normally the timing belt tensioner is the first to go and is recommended to do the whole service due to the mileage so you don't pay twice. These hydraulic tensioner are bad about leaking and when they do they can fail. I've seen them come in with a failed tensioner and the customer was lucky they didn't jump time and ruin the engine. My dealship charges roughly 730 for the service of drive belt t belt waterpump and coolant and then the tensioner is 127.00 with I extra labor of course but we always recommend the tensioner. These timing belts are pretty easy and take about 90 minutes to do for me. I did 3 yesterday in matter of fact. Lol. But I've done hundreds so that makes a big difference. The only thing to watch for when doing it yourself is that back cam is very easy to jump and always sharpie the timing marks on the cams so you can tell if it jumped easily. And normall the crank bolt will require a holding tool

spydercatt

If you would like to see a detailed video on the replacement of the timing belt on the V6 J Series engine on a Honda or Acura, check out this video.