It's time! Well, it's PAST time ... like 40K past time. I'm ashamed.

Anyway, it'll be my first foray into timing belt replacement, so I'm looking for some info ...

I want to get a kit that includes the belt, pump, and new associated parts/seals. Do you guys have recommendations of where I should get a timing belt from? What brands are good? Part numbers? Anything I should stay away from?

Thanks!

 

I've been thinking of this as well, and I just stumbled upon an Aisin kit last night. What I like about it is that it uses all Honda-OE suppliers. Aisin water pump, Koyo bearings, Mitsuboshi timing belt. And on Amazon it's $95 shipped. Part #TKH005

I haven't seen a kit yet that includes any seals. In that case I'd go OEM Honda myself. They're not expensive.

 

just go to Honda and grab the parts you need. I've never had any luck with part store brand thing like that. only thing I get there are my tools and oil plus little odds n ends

 

Gates timing belt/pump kit. I've used nothing but Gates timing belts on Honda's, and I've done A LOT of timing belts. Rockauto has the kit for $66 which comes with the belt, water pump and tensioner. You can get the seals from the dealer cheap enough.

 

A Gates timing belt is fine, they make the OEM timing belt anyway, but the water pump really should be an OEM Honda pump (made by Yamada) Every aftermarket pump I've seen leaked early on. Do the job once and be done with it.

 

are aftermarket timing belts any good? like from a performance shop, there is a shop near my house selling blue timing belts for 120 bucks and says they last over 200k miles

 

Those are the gates "racing belts" not needed on a stock engine. but it's a nice piece of reassurance. I have one on my gsr (bolt on's + cams)

 

I've also had some issues with after market water pumps leaking but I can honestly say that I have NEVER had an issue with a Gates water pump.

Like Bswapped said, the Gates racing belts are good, but completely unnecessary on a stock engine.

 

Here's a useful link:

http://www.civicforums.com/forums/23...t-96-00-a.html

 

Get everything from Honda. Sleep good at night knowing your hard work was worth it. Excellent link ^

 

Forget going to the dealer, you'll pay out the ***.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-OEM-96-97-98-99-00-Genuine-Factory-Honda-Civic-timing-belt-tune-up-kit-/230968869605?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35c6d142e5&vxp=mtr

You can get also add in the seals, tensioner if you want to.

 

As long as you get the little red sticker, everything's good.

 

I tried a WP from Autozone and 2 of the mounting holes didn't even lined up. Lesson learned.

 

I called a local Honda dealer today as well as a recommended non-dealer shop that specializes in Honda/Toyotas, etc. The Honda dealer quoted me about $685 whereas the non-dealer had an amount of about $850 though when he described what he'd do he mentioned seals and tensioner, too. The dealer only said belt and water pump from what I recall when I asked what work would be done. Is it normal to do tensioner and seals or would that be extra you think? BTW - It is a 2000 EX coupe with 207K miles. There is a sticker on the timing belt cover that says Gates belt change done at 110K miles.

Regards

 

Usually the dealer just does the timing belt and waterpump unless the tech finds that the seals or leaking of the tensioner is rough or making noise. If you want it done it shouldn't be a problem though. Expect the price to be right around what the independent shop wanted.

 

I'm sure there are knowlegdeable folks (in your area) that can do the job for you for much less.

 

Be clear what is going to be done. I asked our local shop about a timing belt for my CRV and they quoted $800. For that I got a new belt installed. Also they would INSPECT the water pump and if it or the tensioner needed replacing there would be an aditional charge.

 

I appreciate all the info from everyone. I'll look into what you have quoted here and see what I can put together.

I'm definitely planning to do this myself. Gawd ... $685 at the dealer. I'll put my car out of commission for a few days to do it for $500+ less.

 

should only take 1-2 hours for a beginner start to finish. The most annoying part WILL be getting the crank pully bolt off. that tool will help you a million times over. get a good 3/4 drive breaker bar you'll have it off in no time !

 

The idea is to put the belt on so that your pistons don't clobber your valves (causing immediate heartbreak and self loathing).

 

Yeah, I still need to get that tool.
I had my truck on stands for 2 weeks to replace a simple trans leak because ... it was my first time, and I'm always very careful and thoughtful when I'm tearing stuff up. Then I am an active father, running around and being busy with fatherly things. So I'm lucky to get 15-20 minutes of time each night, until probably the weekends, when if I'm not prepping to go camping or whatever else, I may have a little more. Just one of those things about my life ...

heh, self loathing ... there would be a lot of that, along with lots of funny sounding mumbles and half spoken words ...

 

Car forum poetry.

 

What do you guys think of this kit?

 

Seems "cheap" for ALL of that but then again I went to the Honda dealer