Timing belt change interval

[w261w261]

Our cars called for a 60k interval, but the new ones are more like 100k. Is this because the belts have gotten better, or is there something about the way newer cars use the belts, or is it just that manufacturers want to cut down on the apparent costs of maintenance? In other words, do you think Gates is making our belts better now, so we can wait until 100k, or do we stick with 60k and let the newer cars have their 100k?

[nswst8]

I went about 20,000 mile over the timing belt recommended change and the belt looked good enough to last another 10-20 thousand.

But unless the belt maker rocommends longer duration between belt changes, I'd stick to 60,000 recommended belty changes.

[car6289]

I went about 140,000 kms, 40,000 kms over recommended change interval, once. As was the case with your timing belt nswst8, my belt appeared to have more life left in it. How much life, who knows? I now change it regularly at about 100,000 kms (60,000 miles) give or take a few thousand distance units.

For my 09 Ridgeline the timing belt replacement interval is sub item of the electronic maintenance minder. There is no fixed change interval unless you regularly drive under the following conditions: in very high temps (over 110°F), in very low temps (under -20°F) or tow a trailer. Under the aforementioned conditions the timing belt change interval is 60,000 miles or 100,000 kms.

One thing I have noticed about timing belts is the country of manufacture of Honda OEM belts changed from "Made in Japan" to more recently "Made in China". Infer from this what you may. To me it comes down to cheap insurance for your engine and your wallet.

[Dr_Snooz]

I'll confess that I've never really seen printed anywhere the recommended interval for the timing belt on a 3g. I've called some dealers who say 90k miles is okay. I usually get scared around 70k and change it.

[charliekuney]

My third coupe's first change was at 110k, and that car was in bad shape.

[Civic Accord Honda]

i go with the 100k recomendtion as mine was done last year and already has close to 50k on it lol

[rebuild]

I have taken 2 over 100k now. The argument I heard was that our engines put more (tension I guess) on the timing belt - more so than the newer models and that is why they said to stay with the 60k recommendation. I just bought a gates extended life kit (http://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/198..._belt_kit.html) so I plan to keep going with at least 90k on a TB anyway - especially if my current belt with 105k looks fine.

I would say to inspect it like the service manual shows if you do decide to go over.

[Oldblueaccord]

100k+ with a new generation belt non interference motor no sweet had and oil pump leak soak the belt for a few thousand miles. i keep the old one as an emergency spare in the back storage compartment.

I really think its the belts are better designed.In the 80's I busted 2 1g belts and we had an 84 escort that promptly broke a belt at 61k.

Of course my coolant hoses are all original as well but well leave that for another thread.


wp

[car6289]

You said a dirty word, coolant hoses, that's two dirty words.
I pulled in my garage this am (after 12 hr night shift #6 in a row) and heard a funny hissing sound as I got out of the car. I paused and looked toward the hood where a wisp of smoke/steam was seen escaping. I opened the hood and the hissing grew louder. I could see green liquid where green liquid should not be. Some poking and prodding with my hand I found a small hole in the inlet bypass hose about two inches from the thermostat housing. I'm just waiting for local part store to open so some replacement hose can be got and I can fix my car and get some sleep because night shift 7 of 7 is looming ever closer.

[88Accord-DX]

The books like to scare you with 60k recommended intervals, but in actuality, you can go up to 90k with a 'some-what' non-interferance Honda engine.

There are cases of people having bent valves when the timing belt snaps, but rare.