Hey,

I have 56k miles on my 97 Prelude SH and the previous owner (about 51k) said that he changed the timing belt but he doesn't the service record. There is a whining sound coming from that area and when I rev you can barely hear it as it diminishes. Someone said that it was because the timing belt was tight and it will loosen over time.
Just wondering if anyone had any input on this because I dont want the belt to snap or anything.?

Thanks,

Mike

 

the belt is to tight, adjust the tensioner. That is most likely the problem.

 

Modified by CardDealer at 4:18 AM 11/16/2006

 

It's only heard at idle, gets louder, or more distinct when the revs are lower.
so at idle, about 700 rpms, you can easily hear it, but at 1300-1400, you can barely hear anything.

How hard is it to adjust the tensionar, something I should take to Honda? aproximate $$??

Thanks,

Mike

 

your lude has a hydraulic tensioner- you will need to replace this- it is constantly tensioning your timing belt- you can't re-tension it like most hondas.

 

Can I continue to drive with this whining sound or no?

Would it be worse if I drive my car hard?

Any idea how much this will roughly cost me including labor?

Thanks,

Mike

 

I would not recommend driving it like this- anything that causes your tbelt to be too tight or too loose can lead to failure. This usually leads to bent valves. The harder you drive- the more stress you put on the belt. Around here labor would be 5.0-6.0 hours flat rate. I would definitely replace the Tbelt, balancer belt, hydraulic unit, and you can do the water pump if you like. I'm not sure on parts pricing but labor could be 300-350 or so. Hope this answers your question. Honda has a bulletin on this- you might try calling Honda to see if they will cover/ split the cost with you.

 

Modified by CardDealer at 4:18 AM 11/16/2006

 

****, i've the same problem with u since 2wks before, i've drove hard and i find the tapping noise from the engine, is it bent values???
but the car runs, OK. Except the noise.
pls advice, thanks!!

 

A loose tbelt can cause a slapping/tapping noise in the valvetrain.

 

Since we are on the topic of timing belts, if the belt does snap will the car start?
I was told that the car will not to prevent damage to the engine.

 

DUH!!!!! The car will not start with out the timing belt because the valves will not open and close.
DDDDDUUUUUHHHHH!?!??!!?!??!?!?!

 

but in my case the belt was too tight, should i worry?

 

I would double check to see how much slack you have in the belt- between the two cam gears push on the belt to see if it is tight- if it is loose it needs to be re-tensioned or possibly even replaced. To re-tension: loosen tensioner adjusting bolt- turn crankshaft counterclockwise a few degrees to take up slack-then tighten the adjuster.

 

your belt can be too loose or too tight, but changing your belt at 56k sounds fishy to me, especially with no service record. honda motors can go longer than that. atleast 90k miles... just go to a dealer and get it diagnosed if you really want to be safe and if you don't know anyone that can help you.

 

I went less than 60k on my tbelt before it was stretched out and loose (Hard driving on a D15B2). I've seen many early dohc preludes with stretched belts with much less than 90k on them - the dohc vtec motors do seem much easier on tbelts. I've also seen preludes break tbelts with no damage to valves and I've seen them bend every valve- It's your motor- do as you like.