<trestonklease@yahoo.com> wrote
> Yes, I have an owners manual and it has information in it that is
> considered wrong among Honda enthusiasts. Hence there is good reason to
> seek the advice of others regardless of what the owners manual tells
> me.
>
>> One wiseass tends to dampen volunteer enthusiasm.
>
> I could say the same thing about your "owners manual" reply.

No wise-assness was intended. Many Honda owners do not know that the owner's
manual has a maintenance schedule in it.

IMO the valve lash adjustment frequency has declined over the years because
of better technology. My 91 Civic's owner manual recommends a certain
frequency, and it has worked fine.

I can't comment on your differential fluid objection.

Timing belt frequencies in the owner's manual are also considered to be
accurate, based on my reading and my own work with my Honda.

IIRC the 99 CRV manual says 7 years or 105k miles for normal driving
conditions. Since you're about at the 7-year mark, and assuming I am
remembering correctly, then yes, do the timing belt within the next 12
months. It is said by shops and amateurs alike to do the water pump at the
same time, because of the overlap in labor, and the expected life of the
water pump is the same. As for the idler pulley, I'd go with the manual. If
the manual says nothing on it, keep checking back. Certain timing
belt-related parts can be done every other timing belt change.

On the other hand, if you haven't any idea how the vehicle was driven
previously, and I'm wrong about the 7 years, doing the timing belt now is a
good idea. Severe driving conditions of course reduce the time and mileage
interval for the timing belt. These conditions are listed in the owner's
manual...