Hi-

I took my car to two auto shops to see if the valves need adjustment or not. One mechanic said that the valves need adjustment and another mechanic said that the valves are O.K., but the timing belt is overstretched and needs to be replaced.

How would I know which mechanic is right? I am thinking of asking one more mechanic for his opinion and go from there? but, how could I tell if the belt is overstretched? The last time I had my timing belt changed was 80K miles ago. And if the belt needs to be replaced, how much should it cost for the parts and labor? My car is 92 Accord.

Thanks-

Jim

Thanks-

Jim

 

Someone should dig up the timing belt interval, but I'm sure 80K miles is close to or over the change interval. You should probably get the belt replaced soon.

A valve adjustment is trivial compared to a timing belt change. I did a valve adjustment to my Accord, but I didn't have the courage to try the timing belt change at the time. The timing belt change is far more expensive, but so are busted valves and pistons from a timing belt breakage. Just as an idea, my timing belt change cost me $700 CDN (you should get the water pump, oil seals and tensioners replaced as well as the belts), plus
about $150 CDN more for me because so many tensioners died as a result of a big oil leak. That oil leak also caused enough pressure to push the timing belt cover out, and the timing belt cover was destroyed by the crank pulley.

A valve adjustment is needed if your car starts to sound like a diesel. I.e. there's a lot of ticking coming from the valve cover. Some ticking is normal btw. If it's extra loud and obnoxious, then an adjustment is in order.

That should cover most of it, I think.

 

I replaced my timing belt when I had my motor out to replace the cross member. It wasn't to hard due to the fact the motor was out and easily accessable. I only paid like $150 for my timing belt package from The Accord Store. It included the timing belt, balancer belt, P.S./alternator belt, conpressor belt, water pump and water pump gasket.

oh, the Helms states that the timing belt should be replaced every 90,000 miles.

 

I believe the book says Timing belt and water pump replacement every 90K miles. The Honda dealership I called also said valve adjustments after 30K.

 

Thanks so much to you all.

Jim