Elle wrote:
> <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.

No problem.

> 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.

I'm not sure I follow you on this. My rear diff was noisy the first
time the 4wd kicked in and I was alarmed until I searched here and
found the cure, changing the fluid. I had visions of costly repairs
until I read what was causing it.

> 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.

Good advice, thank you.



>
> 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...

That is what prompted my concern, few records from the previous owner
have me thinking I should have it done sooner to be on the safe side.
Thanks.