I've been lurking on this site for months to get all the info I can on replacing my 1999 Accord lx 4 cyl +/- 85,000 mile timing belt and here is my story. I am not an expert, far from it, but I want others to learn from my story as I have from reading the posts on this site:

1 After exhaustive research, I bought a timing belt kit from "The Timing Belt Kit Pro" a shop out of Virginia ( they have an eBay store or just Google it). I have $0 financial interest in this shop so take it for what it's worth. This shop has the lowest price I could find, are great to deal with, and the kit contained everything needed (belts, water pump, gaskets, seals, grommets, tensioners) and then some. No, the parts are NOT stamped Honda but according to the mechanic that installed them, the parts are excellent quality and fit perfectly.

2 My original belts (after 9+ years and +/- 85,000 miles) were in great shape and had a long ways to go, no sign of breakage and very little sign of wear. I was so scared after reading all the posts on this site that my old belts were about to break if not replaced according to Honda's schedule so I just want to advise you fellow worry warts not to panic if you are a few months or miles over the schedule, relax Honda original parts are made to last. My mechanic said the old ones would have lasted for many more years and miles. Same with the water pump and tensioners.

3 Prestone now sells antifreeze/coolant that can be used in Hondas, you don't have to use Honda brand coolant. Again I am not an expert so use your own judgement on this, but I did look into this and made an educated decision.

4 I totally respect all you mechanics out there. After watching my mechanic do this job I really have to hand to all of you.

5 This is a great site with great posters and I hope with this post I can help at least 1 other Honda owner out there.

 

I think the important point you should take away for all this is NOT that there are alternatives to going Honda 24/7, but the general 'feel' and attitude of what's offered and discussed here.
And timing belt maintainance is an important topic for the earlier engines. although, it would seem that Honda has seen the light and went with an internal Timing Chain for the K24, so it will become a non-issue in about ten years.

The maintainence intervals are a 'guide". Both how (and where) a car is driven has a real bearing on belt life. I've seen some break (with collateral damage to boot) before during and even long after the critical point.
The important point is this; you don't want it breaking PERIOD (Bad). And if it means changing it out with some useful life on it as a precaution, consider yourself lucky you weren't on the other side of the curve.

P

 

how much was the timing kit that you bought?

 

The purpose of this thread was not to be a shill for the timing belt company, but rather to let people know my story in a little detail, and maybe help a fellow non mechanically inclined Honda owner or two in trying to get through the dreaded timing belt situation.

Just do a little internet searching and clicking and your question will be answered. I'm not trying to be a jerk about this but I don't want to upset the sponsors of this site or my fellow members. Thanks.

 

I agree with you.

By the way, do you mean that the new Accord timing chain will never have to be replaced, or rather that it will last longer than the timing belt?

 

The chain is continually lubricated and sees little (if any wear). It's a technique Honda has used since they first started importing in the '60's.
All their overhead valve Motorcycle engines incorporate this design; going all the way back to the first 50cc examples.

P