Jack wrote:
> "Elmo P. Shagnasty" <elmop@nastydesigns.com> wrote in message
> news:elmop-6F9EBD.17244811042005@news.usenetserver.com...
>
>>In article <jason-1104050935500001@pm4-broad-29.snlo.dialup.fix.net>,
>>jason@nospam.com (Jason) wrote:
>>
>>
>>>The valves were adjusted several years ago. Should I have the valves
>>>adjusted? If not, when should I have the valves adjusted again?
>>
>>Recently, Honda has been saying "adjust valves only when noisy." I
>>don't know if this applies to your Accord. I think it's so easy on the
>>4 cyl models, they specify it at every 30K miles.
>>
>>I know the "noisy" recommendation applies to my V6 Odyssey; I think it's
>>because adjusting valves on that baby is expensive, and they don't want
>>the customer to think that it's an expensive vehicle to maintain. My
>>mechanic (Honda-trained, works for the dealership, the only guy I'll
>>take my car to) says if you can hear the noise, it's too late.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>>The timing belt has NEVER been changed. Should I have the mechanic change
>>>it? If not, when should the timing belt be changed and the water pump
>>>replaced?
>>
>>I think your owner's manual says 90K miles or 6 years, whichever comes
>>first. You're at the 6 year mark.
>>
>>It's a gamble; Honda makes interference engines, so if the belt breaks,
>>you ruin the engine.
>
> Why doesn't Honda use a chain instead of a high maintenance belt?

belts provide much more accurate valve [and consequently ignition]
timing both initially and throughout the life of the belt. chains can
wear real bad and get real noisy. they break too. long life belts go
over 100k - i see no reason to complain about that.