So I'm looking for a timing chain for my K24z3 engine and the online dealers want around $160. So what do I find on ebay? A whole kit of parts for less than that. And so I dive into the rabbit hole.

First and most obvious is the price. The parts are really really cheap compared to hondapartsnow or others.

Look at the pictures. Can you spot differences in your original part and the listing?

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

One of these is $39.99 and the other is $111.82
The chain with all the marked links is made by Daido of Japan. The first one is made by who the hell knows.
DID is Daido's marking. SCH and SV mean this is a hardened and quiet chain. This is what came in the engine from Honda.
Look at the label on the first one. It's not even trying. And the fun part is the bar code.

I took a screenshot of the label and this is what that barcode reads. GENUINEPARTS
The white HONDA text has been removed in ms paint too.




Notice something? HB1B18 If this is the lot number, every seller on ebay got the same lot!



I rate this chain as legit. But then, I would buy it direct at this price.


Something isn't right...

ohhhh...
At least they tried?

Feedback rating. Scammers usually have less than 1000. Legit sellers have many thousands and good feedback.

Look at their other items. Are they selling lots of parts at "normal" prices? Does each label have different lot numbers?

And yes I did buy from two sellers. To be continued...

 

If the price looks too good to be true... it's a fake. Buyer Beware.