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Timing belt and water pump replacement question

Posted: October 30th, 2010, 5:32 am
by copescobra
Need advice from members. I am a newbie and just acquired 21,000 mile yr 2000 from orig owner R-Type

I am mechanically challenged but it seemed logical to me when seller mentioned
that it would be prudent to replace timing and other belts plus water pump even though the
car only has 21,000 miles on it. I thought it was done at 60,000 miles but he felt that it
was miles and/or # of years since last done. Since 10 yrs and since I plan to drive the car 2500
miles home since I need to save the Money and cannot afford covered transport at a cost of $2000

1. I would like your thoughts and if so,
2. how much do you think the local Honda Dealer will charge me for Parts and Labor.

3. Regardless of your input any place to lookup quality private service tech's in N. Washington
State or Vancouver Canada? Nothing against dealerships but prefer to give business to private
businesses in community.
kindly advise---Copes

Re: Timing belt and water pump replacement question

Posted: October 30th, 2010, 9:49 am
by Dave_B
This is exactly the reason things are listed as mileage/time frame.

Yes, I would do it if I were you, absolutely. Timing belt is rubber and can rot. Not worth the risk.

If your in Vancouver, try PM'ing White Rocket. He'll have a good suggestion for ya since he lives up there.

Re: Timing belt and water pump replacement question

Posted: October 30th, 2010, 11:06 am
by coolhandluke
Timing belt should be replaced every three years. It's simply not worth it, especially on a car of that mileage.

Re: Timing belt and water pump replacement question

Posted: October 30th, 2010, 11:25 am
by turbohf
i work at a honda dealer just north of seattle (Lynnwood Honda). im sure they would do the car for ya, or i know someone here that would probably do it. not sure what the labor times are on a timing belt for that. but labor is $98.60hr


i would also replace the timing belt. not worth it to not replace it. we did it on my buddies 50k mile R also.

Re: Timing belt and water pump replacement question

Posted: October 30th, 2010, 1:28 pm
by turbohf
sounds like they charge around 5hours... or guy here said he would probably do it for $200 + parts.

Re: Timing belt and water pump replacement question

Posted: October 30th, 2010, 5:52 pm
by wego5
Had it done recently at Honda dealer, the total was almost $600.

Re: Timing belt and water pump replacement question

Posted: October 30th, 2010, 8:05 pm
by elambz
Had my last timing belt done for like $200 total including parts and that included doing the water pump too. Then again that was a sidejob

Re: Timing belt and water pump replacement question

Posted: November 5th, 2010, 12:44 pm
by Dave-ROR
It's not too difficult to do it yourself, and replace the accessory belts at the same time (they come off anyways, only one extra step for the AC belt).

At that age, it's definately worth replacing.

Re: Timing belt and water pump replacement question

Posted: November 5th, 2010, 1:21 pm
by totsie7944
AC belt is a bit of a PITA, but everything else you can really do yourself with some basic tools.

All you really need is an impact gun to get the crank pulley bolt out, coat hanger for tensioning the timing belt, a 10mm socket, 12 mm socket, 14 mm socket, and maybe just regular wrenches in the same size to loosen and/or tension the aux belts. It should take a noobie like 3 hours to do it all.

You also will need Honda Bond for the water pump if you choose to replace.

Re: Timing belt and water pump replacement question

Posted: November 5th, 2010, 1:56 pm
by D
coolhandluke wrote:Timing belt should be replaced every three years.
ROFL! Seriously???? :shakes head:

Re: Timing belt and water pump replacement question

Posted: November 5th, 2010, 2:16 pm
by totsie7944
D wrote:
coolhandluke wrote:Timing belt should be replaced every three years.
ROFL! Seriously???? :shakes head:
If you're tracking your caR and beating on it hard...then yea it's a pretty good idea to change it every 3 years. I have changed mine once a year for 4 years. Keep in mind these belts can stretch when you beat on the car and unless you are checking the tension periodically there is chance for hairline stress cracks in the teeth that can eventually cause teeth to rip off.

Personally, I'd rather drop $100 ever 36 months than the price it would cost to rebuild a head and/or potentially a block.