Honda Accord timing belt change

[pbm]

I have a 2001 Accord VP (4cyl. non V-TEC) with 90K that is due for a timing belt change. I plan on doing both belts (timing and balancer) along with the water pump and tensioner. What parts do I need to order? There are various tensioner parts available so I'm open to any advice and opinions. Thanks

This website shows what parts are available.

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=ACCORD&catcgry2=2001&catcgry3=4DR+VP+%28SIDE+SRS%29&catcgry4=KA4AT&catcgry5=CAMSHAFT+-+TIMING+BELT

 

[pbm]

My question was answered when I went on the Rockauto site and saw that they sell complete kits which include both belts, waterpump and the 2 tensioners. The Majestic Honda parts site is confusing. I know that some of you guys prefer OE but how bad can Gates or Dayco be?

A Honda mechanic told me there is no need to change the tensioners
because "they never break". I think I'll change them anyway.

 

[Chris142]

Do you have a way to get the crank bolt loose?

 

[Dave Hess]

Quote:
I know that some of you guys prefer OE but how bad can Gates or Dayco be?


The timing belt my Honda dealership insatlled was a Gates T-belt, the OEM belt did not say Gates on it.

 

[mechanicx]

If you are intent on doing the job the best way, and seems you are since you are getting the tensioners and waterpump, might as well get an OE belt. I don't trust Dayco and while I think Gates aftermarket are probably good, I'd still get the OE belt. The belt is probably the most critical part you will be putting on.

 

[jtfmdyk]

I would, and did, and will, go OEM. On an interference engine it is just not worth the risk, and I think Honda has proven itself as much as any engine maker that it knows where to source parts. Crank bolt came free with a 1/2 inch breaker-bar and 3-foot pipe for me. I will admit, I had my doubts as to which would give first but it all worked out.

 

[Market525]

You will still need a tool to HOLD the harmonic balancer while you attempt to get that 181 ft. lb. tight bolt off. Don't give into temptation & try to "wedge" a screwdriver somewhere -- I've read of some horror stories where this went really wrong.

 

[benjamming]

I would also get head cover gasket sets & check the valve clearances.
Oil seal may or may not need replacing but it's only ~ $5 OEM online. However, sometimes replacing them will cause problems whereas if it is dry you may want to leave it.
Good time to replace spark plugs.
You will also need coolant since you will have to drain the coolant.

http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=ACCORD&catcgry2=2001&catcgry3=4DR+VP+%28SIDE+SRS%29&catcgry4=KA4AT&catcgry5=CYLINDER+HEAD+COVER

 

[JakeR22]

I guess I'll go against the grain and say I wouldn't have any problem with using Gates or Dayco.

My Gates lasted 100k miles on my Civic, and I used another one at 200k miles.

I also took my crank bolt off and on with an Impact. But you need a good impact gun and high psi to it.

 

[youdontwannaknow]

I have seen timing belt replacement "kits" from tasauto.com - like this one http://tasauto.com/Product/Detail.aspx?s=185250&h=916&d=978

or probably a visit to the dealer parts window might be worth it.

btw, I believe the timing belt replacement for "normal" maintenance schedule is 105k for this car. "severe" is 95k.

benjamming made the rest of the points.

 

[benjamming]

ydwk,

Severe is 60k miles for that car. But severe really is severe for the timing belt case if regularly seen - > 110°F or < -20°F.

OP,

You will also need a torque wrench.

 

[PandaBear]

Gate is fine, I'm running it in my Integra right now. What you need for a honda is Timing belt, water pump (they usually don't last more than 2x belt interval, so you should change it now), all the accessory belts, tensioner (they don't last 2x interval as well before they start whining).

I've been using TRW tensioner as well as Gate belts, they are low tech items that most reputable brands don't have problems these days.

IMO buying Honda for these items are just for the names.

 

[nthach]

A few Honda mechanics told me a 3/4" impact is a very, very, very nice thing to have on these motors. Also, there's a balancer belt on the F series engines that should also be swapped out too.