"Michael Pardee" <null@null.org> wrote in
news:qbqdnZSXnoR1NizUnZ2dnUVZ_juWnZ2d@sedona.net:

>
> "gnu / linux" <rob.fruth@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1ad4b4da-1319-4124-9cdd-75bca82af429@o36g2000yqh.googlegroups.com.
> ..
>> Time for someone good (not me) to replace the timing belt on my stock
>> 2000 Civic (low miles but time, plan on keeping a couple more years)
>> I have a few questions (checked the FAQs etc but no luck) I know
>> water pump at the same time but how about the thermostat, since
>> radiator is drained how about hoses and or belts, tensioners,
>> anything else ?
>>
>
> Sounds like you are on the right track. I recommend replacing the
> tensioners, but get more opinions about that. I have heard the
> recommendation to replace them every other time - they are expensive,



There's only one under the timing belt cover, and it's about $40, I think.
Cheap insurance. And you're already all the way in there anyway. By the end
of the second go-around, the tensioner bearing is really loose and wobbly,
so every other belt change is about right for that. .



> and they care more about the miles than about time. I would say "yes"
> to the thermostat, but considering the spate of thermostat problems in
> late model Civics (see the "08 civic warmup issues" thread) I don't
> have a warm fuzzy feeling about the thermostats that may be on the
> shelf right now.



I agree. My personal preference is to replace the thermostat every five
years, but the recent problems have me putting a "hold" rating on that
particular investment. If the car seems to be warming up like its usual
self, leave the thermostat alone. For now. Let's wait and see what Honda
ends up doing.



> It's a great time to replace the belt(s) and
> certainly a time to check the hoses and replace them if they are in
> doubt.



The rad hoses should be replaced every five or six years. Pop one of those
and you've got Big Trouble in Little China.

Replace the accessory drive belts at the same time as the timing belt.
they're also about $30-$40 each, OEM.



--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/