DIY Timing Belt for Honda: Yay or Nay?

[ls2poweredgoat 5,000+ posts]

Plan on doing mine here within the next few weeks, car is 40k past due, lol. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/laugh.gif.48439b2acf2cfca21620f01e7f77d1e4.gif

Talked to a Honda tech, said the most difficult part is taking off one of the engine mounts, jacking up the motor to stay in place (using a block of wood), and then trying to loosen the crankshaft pulley bolt, which is torqued down to 175 ft lbs. I bought a special too just in case I can't get a hold of an impact gun, the tool keeps the entire assembly from rotating while trying to break the nut loose. It looks like there is plenty of room to work with...4-banger FTW. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

Any way, any one ever do their own? I've always done all the maintenance to all my cars, just replaced the axles not too long ago. Just wondering if any one can shoot me some tips.

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[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

I am a fan of removing the motor completely to do the tb, but that is just me. I have done quite a few of them.

 

[ls2poweredgoat 5,000+ posts]

I am a fan of removing the motor completely to do the tb, but that is just me. I have done quite a few of them.

Yeah that's a no can do over here...don't have the room. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif But I'm sure it would be much easier. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

Yeah that's a no can do over here...don't have the room. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif But I'm sure it would be much easier. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

leaving it in won't be an issue either, as you have enough space between the shock tower and block to do just about anything....as long as you can get the tensioner out of the way for re-installation you'll be fine.

There are some really good picture step by step tutorials online.

 

[CobraStang98 10+ year member]

Im a mechanic and it all depends on the available engine space.... for the most part i would suggest u not doing this at home, but if ur used to doing work urself and actually do follow step by step tutorials im sure you can do it urself.

Just make sure u have everything tools wise before u get started or it wont be alot of fun.

 

[fatboyracing 10+ year member]

what kind of honda and what milage is it due at

 

[ls2poweredgoat 5,000+ posts]

2001 Accord, Honda recommends doing it every 70k, the car just turned over 110k.

There *looks* to be plenty of room to work with....I'll poast pics tomorrow. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[lilmaniac2 5,000+ posts]

I sold my CRX and they drove it 10 miles and the timing belt snapped, I felt bad so I helped them change it out. motor mount was a PITA, but since it was a sohc timing it was a breeze ( just brought cylinder one to top dead center.)

It took about 5 hours in a poorly stocked garage to do it

 

[ls2poweredgoat 5,000+ posts]

Im a mechanic and it all depends on the available engine space.... for the most part i would suggest u not doing this at home, but if ur used to doing work urself and actually do follow step by step tutorials im sure you can do it urself.
Just make sure u have everything tools wise before u get started or it wont be alot of fun.

I've ALWAYS done all this shit myself, and if I don't have to tools to do so, I buy them. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/tongue.gif.6130eb82179565f6db8d26d6001dcd24.gif

The thought of someone else working on my car makes me sick. I get uneasy when I get tires put on. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif

 

[ls2poweredgoat 5,000+ posts]

I sold my CRX and they drove it 10 miles and the timing belt snapped, I felt bad so I helped them change it out. motor mount was a PITA, but since it was a sohc timing it was a breeze ( just brought cylinder one to top dead center.)
It took about 5 hours in a poorly stocked garage to do it

Yeah mine's a SOHC too, the Honda Tech said the gear are clearly marked and it's VERY hard to **** up unless you're a complete retard.

 

[dman4486 5,000+ posts]

I've ALWAYS done all this shit myself, and if I don't have to tools to do so, I buy them. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/tongue.gif.6130eb82179565f6db8d26d6001dcd24.gif
The thought of someone else working on my car makes me sick. I get uneasy when I get tires put on. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif

I am the same way.....I have been around too many id10T mechanics to ever let them work on my car.

 

[CobraStang98 10+ year member]

I've ALWAYS done all this shit myself, and if I don't have to tools to do so, I buy them. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/tongue.gif.6130eb82179565f6db8d26d6001dcd24.gif
The thought of someone else working on my car makes me sick. I get uneasy when I get tires put on. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif

I was the same exact way when i was a lil younger, one of the big reasons i became a mechanic and i have a passion for cars.

Its good tht u do things urself, ive run into alot of ppl(even ones i work with) that arent up to par with wht you'd expect. Alot of them rush just for money purposes, especially at major shops(firestone, meineke, etc) and at dealerships.

If u do decide to have someone else do it, try to find a small reputable shop.. Generally you'll have alot better luck there and more of a personable experience.

 

[SICCMAD3 10+ year member]

Get a t-belt manual/ tutorial and that follow that very closely. also make sur the tensioner is properly tightened w/ lock tight or thread lock on it as i've seen hondas where the tensioner loosened a hair and the belt skipped teeth. also i would suggest doing the water pump while your in there. and your gonna want an air gun for the crank bolt, even with the OTC tool they make to hold the pulley.

and Cobrastang98, yes there are idiots out there but the majority of techs i know are very honest and do stand up jobs, where you see problems is at independent shops and nationwide store (Firestone, etc) because they don't have the experience with one manufacturer, and therefore they dont know the true time savers to make money and the rush threw things.

 

[audioatg 10+ year member]

As long as you get all the timing marks lined up and correctly put the new belt back on. Like some one else said get a manule or somthin Alldata. Like that is the most important part their. O and At my shop we always replace the tensioner and water pump while you are there... Not fun when you have to do the entier thing again when the water pump starts to leak on ya... Other than that. Plenty of you for you to do this. If I can anyone can do this lol.

 

[audioatg 10+ year member]

SICCMAD3[/b];5818224]Get a t-belt manual/ tutorial and that follow that very closely. also make sur the tensioner is properly tightened w/ lock tight or thread lock on it as i've seen hondas where the tensioner loosened a hair and the belt skipped teeth. also i would suggest doing the water pump while your in there. and your gonna want an air gun for the crank bolt, even with the OTC tool they make to hold the pulley.
and Cobrastang98, yes there are idiots out there but the majority of techs i know are very honest and do stand up jobs, where you see problems is at independent shops and nationwide store (Firestone, etc) because they don't have the experience with one manufacturer, and therefore they dont know the true time savers to make money and the rush threw things.[/QUOTE]

Very Ignorant statement thier. I have worked at dealership and now at an Independent shop. Working at both. Id say the Independent shop is more of a stickler for details. We go to classes all the time. I still stick with my GM roots and often doing ***** jobs. Another guy FORD man. Pooping ford diagrams he knows so much. One tech at my shop could spit this timing belt out in less then a half hour he has done SOOOO many.