'94 Honda Accord Station Wagon. Currently 120,000 miles.
Owner's manual states that the timing belt should be replaced at 140,000
miles. Then, through a subscript, it says "Recommended Only"

What is the meaning of this phrase (Recommended Only). Seriously,
everything in the maintenance schedule is a "recommendation", in my opinion.

Is this really a fabric belt that "must" be replaced before it breaks, or,
is it a metal chain that stretches and is "recommended" to be replaced when
the automatic tensioner is beyond function due to excessive stretch.

All comments appreciated.

Needless to say, the local mechanic claims that the belt should have been
replaced at 60k miles and every 60k miles thereafter.

Ivan Vegvary