Honda Car Forum

Yes...my g/fs 04 accord lx vtec has a chain


"Randolph" <trash@junkmail.com> wrote in message
news:425B547E.D659CC22@junkmail.com...
>
> "Elmo P. Shagnasty" wrote:
>>
>> In article <XcGdnZmFErNUkcbfRVn-pQ@rogers.com>,
>> "Jack" <jdoe@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> > Why doesn't Honda use a chain instead of a high maintenance belt?
>>
>> Honda made the trade-off for the overall benefit the belt provides.
>>
>> I think it's a fair trade-off, from what I've seen.
>>
>> Don't think the chains are low-maintenance or lifetime (despite what VW
>> says with its new Jetta).
>
> Honda is going back to chains as well. I believe (and have not gotten
> this confirmed) that when you have true adjustable valve timing (VTEC
> did not really adjust the /timing/, it just selected between different
> cam lobes (the different lobes having different timing and lift)) you
> get more stress on the cam drive, and thus want a chain rather than a
> belt. Honda's i-VTEC (true adjustable timing) engines use a chain, as do
> Toyota's VVT-i (Again, true adjustable valve timing). A quick Google
> search shows BMW engines with VANOS (true adjustable valve timing) also
> have chains.
>
>
> --
> ================================================== =====
> A very modest collection of Honda tech info can be found at:
> http://www.geocities.com/ng_randolph

On 4/11/05 7:00 PM, in article
jason-1104051700440001@pm4-broad-34.snlo.dialup.fix.net, "Jason"
<jason@nospam.com> wrote:

> In article <425ADEF0.5811C2D8@junkmail.com>, Randolph <trash@junkmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> Jason wrote:
>>>
>>> My 1999 Honda Accord EX (4 cyld) is scheduled for it's 60.000 mile
>>> service later this month or early next month. I live in central
>>> California and therefore the vehicle is NOT usually driven in
>>> harsh conditions such as freezing weather or extreme hot weather.
>>>
>>> It's running great at this point in time.
>>>
>>> Questions:
>>> The fuel filter has NEVER been changed. Should I have the mechanic
> change it?
>>> If not, when should I have it changed?
>>>
>>> The valves were adjusted several years ago. Should I have the valves
>>> adjusted? If not, when should I have the valves adjusted again?
>>>
>>> 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?
>>>
>>> Other than having the oil changed and the filter changed--and the air
>>> filter--can you think of any other special service that should be
>>> performed?
>>>
>>> Thanks in advance,
>>> Jason
>>
>>
>> Why don't you just follow the service schedule?
>
> The service department at the local Honda shop has a different schedule
> than is stated in the owner's manual. I honestly don't know whether they
> are trying to rip me off or make sure my car never breaks down. I also
> noticed that there are some conflicts or differences between the service
> schedule in the repair manual and the owner's manual.

Follow the book. The dealer makes a ton of money on these service packages.
If, as you say, you do not drive in severe conditions, the only things
specifically due at 60,000 are transmission fluid change, engine air filter,
cabin air filters (if you have any), and a boat load of checks that all
consist of looking under the hood and under the car to see if anything is
falling off yet. Valves should be adjusted if noisy (and on a 4 cyl Accord
they usually are). Timing belt is not due until somewhere between 90,000
and 105,000 in normal usage.

If you want a second opinion, register for the owners link at the Honda
website. It will give you a maintenance schedule that might be more up to
date than the one in your book.