The timing belt is just a belt that needs to be replaced every so often. The normal cost for every Honda besides a prelude is something like $250-300, but the prelude ranges from $400-800. That's crazy. It's supposed to be done every 6 years or 90,000 miles. My car is fast approaching 90k, but it's past 7 years now. I figure I do it now before it's too late. Mechanics say it can be very bad if the belt breaks. Expensive to fix. So... I have done it now and won't worry about it for at least 4 years or so. While you are in there, replaced the waterpump and check the seals and belts.

Kearny Mesa Acura & Honda Specialist
4183 Convoy Street Suite B
San Diego, CA 92111
858-573-9999

I highly recommend this place. They do good work and treat you right. The guy to talk to is Tony.

Update 1/17/2001

I found out from Pacific Honda (when I was getting my front balancer shaft seal retainer kit put in for recall) that my lower timing belt cover gasket was missing. They advised me to go back to the shop that did the timing belt. I went back and Tony said they did not take it off and it was not there in the first place. I don't know if he's telling the truth, so I don't recommend the place anymore. For future repairs, I'll try another place. I plan on putting the gasket in myself. Honda said it would take 3.5 hours while a Honda mechanic I know says it's only 0.5 hours. Bullshit Pacific Honda. I ordered the missing gasket from hparts.com. Cost is about $30 shipped. I'll install it soon after it arrives.

I found another problem. One of the bolts to the power steering pump looks like it was forced in. They put a couple sheets of metal in between, so they didn't have to force it in some more. I took it out because I wanted to see what was up. It didn't look normal. So... while I was unscrewing it with much difficulty, it snapped. Damnit.. Well, I took out the rest of the bolts and tried to remove the broken bolt with a vice grip with no success. Doesn't even turn. I'm pissed. I put back the rest of the bolts and it's solid in place, so it's okay if I run without that one bolt tightened. Although, I'll try to get it out some how.

Update 1/20/2001

I found another freaking problem after getting the timing belt done. I was coming home and I decided to use the cruise control and it didn't work. What the hell? I remember seeing the cruise control looking funny. There was this orange T sticking out with 2 vacuum hoses coming out the side. Well, there was a vacuum hose that wasn't plugged in. I plugged that up and voila... it works. I'm happy I fixed that myself, but come on. I can't believe that shop forgot to put that back in. Screw that shop. I'm going elsewhere.

List of parts replaced:

• Timing belt
• Balancer belt
• Waterpump
• Coolant
• Drive belt (powersteering)
• Drive belt (alternator/AC)
• Power steering fluid
• Valve cover gasket
• Little gasket rings (4) that are replaced when removing valve cover

Comments:

• Odometer reading at 86,720 miles.
• Dropped off car a little after 10, picked up around 5.
• Replaced drive belts because they were cracked and recommended.
• Replaced O-rings on valve cover because they were hard and not soft like supposed to be. They might even have been leaking oil.
• Free powersteering fluid because when removing p/s pump, fluid came out and needed to be replaced free of charged.
• It took a little while because they needed a tool for tensioner and the waterpump was late to arrive.
• None of the seals were leaking which is good.
• 1 yr 12,000 mile warranty.
• All Honda parts of course.

Cost for all this
Original estimate $385.00
Revised estimate $455.00 $30.00 valve cover gaskets, $40.00 drive belts
Tax not included

The other shop

Pete's Precision Automotive
310 Trousdale - Suite A
Chula Vista, CA 91910
619-426-2880

I was originally scheduled to have my timing belt done at this place for $550.00. The woman who worked there was a real jerk and didn't want to reduce her price even though some honda dealers were less. I considered doing the drive belts myself and she was just laughing at me for trying to save a few bucks. Also, they charge full list price on the parts, so they get you on that too. The mechanics might be good, but I can't put up with people like that. I don't recommend this place.

last updated Jan 03, 2001

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