Ivan Vegvary wrote:
> '94 Honda Accord Station Wagon. Currently 120,000 miles.
> Owner's manual states that the timing belt should be replaced at 140,000
> miles.

it's replace at 140k KILOMETERS not miles. you're overdue by 30k.

> 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.

yeah, it's only a recommendation, but one that can save you upwards of
$2k. your call on the economics of deferral.

>
> 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.

it's a fiber reinforced toothed rubber belt. it doesn't stretch, it
just fatigues & breaks.

>
> All comments appreciated.

!!! you'll get a few more than me i'm sure.

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

60k miles is premature unless using inferior aftermarket parts.

>
> Ivan Vegvary
>
>