I would also like to find out if my timing belt needs replacement. What are the signs that point towards the need for replacement of the timing belt?

 

the best sign is how many miles your car has and when was the last time you changed it ... you can look at it but if you are not familar with timing belts you wont know if it is still new or old

 

Just get it changed every 90,000 and you should be okay. The signs usually are when it breaks...unfortunately. Then kiss your valvetrain goodbye, usually.

- Nathan

 

look for dry-rotting...

 

Look for hairline cracks at the base of each tooth. Problem is sometimes they aren't very visible until 10 minutes before it breaks.

 

the new timing belt rubber is tricky..you cant really see the wears and tear, the teeth would just fall off or snap when you rev the engine.
just go by the mileage.

oh yeah..honda's engine is not clearance type like many domestic

 

Ok, so I just bought this car not too long ago. It had a 101k miles on it when I got it and now it is close to a 102k miles. I have no knowledge of a timing belt replacement by the previous owner as I bought it from a dealer. Should I wait until I put a couple of thousand miles more on it or get it replaced immediately? Also, how much would all this cost me?

 

It cost me 450 for everything (timing belt,water pump, all new seals, all new belts)

 

if the timing belt breaks, it almost always bends valves. that will cost a lot to get fixed. by mileage, you are either just past the belt being replaced, or are well overdue. I always reccomend that you err on the side of caution and get the thing replaced. unless you can get confirmation that the belt has been done.

if the car is a "certified" used car from a honda dealer, then I'd assume it has a relatively new timing belt.

 

Remove the upper timing cover. If you can not read the 'Honda' and the 'do not crimp' because the letters are faded, it is probably the original belt.

If you change the timing belt for normal maitenance (90K intervals), the old belt will look fine (other than faded). If you see damaged teeth or split ribs, you waited WAY TOO long to replace the belt. Any flaws in the belt will turn it into shreads in no time.

 

when I got my accord it had about 133k on it, one of the first things I did was change the timing belt, it cost me around 300. You probably should change you belt just to be on the safe side.

 

Where did you go to get you timing belt replace for such a low price, everywhere I have looked that is Honda Authorized is about 600.00 and up closer to the 700 range..
I just bought a 1991 Accord Wagon with 101,000 Miles and need to my belt replaced ASAP, at least I would like to..

I am in the Chicago Area if that helps.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jim_chalil &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Where did you go to get you timing belt replace for such a low price, everywhere I have looked that is Honda Authorized is about 600.00 and up closer to the 700 range..
I just bought a 1991 Accord Wagon with 101,000 Miles and need to my belt replaced ASAP, at least I would like to..

I am in the Chicago Area if that helps.</TD></TR></TABLE>

ask someone in chi town mang, go to gdd forum.
remember, honda's are interference engine, if the timing belt snap, the chances are the piston will hit the valves

 

Not trying to be smart here ... but if you do not know if or when it was changed last ... CHANGE IT NOW. It is cheap insurance and like everyone is saying ... it is an interference engine ... chance are better then good that if it breaks it will take some valves with it.