DO NOT WAIT!
You do not want to wait for something to happen. If your belt breaks you can
cause major engine damage. That $800. figure will pale in comparison. When a
timing belt fails, there is no warning, so don't be fooled by how your car
runs.
If it were my car, I'd bring it to my dealer. I'd want to be sure that it's
done right and with the best quality parts. Avoid all "back alley" guys. But
if you do it outside of your dealer be sure of three things. First, be sure
to do it right. Change all of the following: timing belt, balance belt,
alternator belt, power steering belt, air conditioner belt, water pump,
camshaft seal, balance shaft seal (make sure you have a retainer for this
seal which was added by Honda later) and crankshaft seal and use Honda
antifreeze to prevent any damage to your cooling system from the wrong
coolant. Second, as I said before, use original Honda parts. They WILL last
longest. Third, if your dealer does it, fine. If you do it elsewhere, be
sure that person/shop is not just an experienced mechanic but is a Honda
specialist. These three steps are the key to be lucky enough to have the
opportunity to get you to be able to spend this much and more for the next
time at 180,000 miles!
Good luck,
Howard
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike" <powerpNOSPAM@yahoo.com>
Newsgroups: alt.autos.honda
Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2004 12:05 AM
Subject: '96 Accord 90K preventive maintenance


> Hi,
>
> 1st time on here...
>
> Honda recommends preventive maintenance replacement of water pump and
timing
> belt at 90K.
> I'm at 91K now and things are running fine with my '96 Accord coupe (4cyl
> Vtec auto).
> Should I have it done now by Honda ($800), find a good back-alley guy, or
> just wait for something to happen?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Mike
>
>