I purchased a used '98 Honda Accord two years ago at 125k in "OK" condition. Now it is at 150k, I do not know if I should replace the belt or what the recommended mileage to do this service... I do not know much when it comes to working on cars or do not know how to check for this... I doubt it that the first owner had got this service done based on the condition of the car. So should I just replace it or just ignore it? Thanks....

 

i think its every 60k. dont ignore it because if the timing belt breaks say goodbye to your valves...

 

Replace it. I would also replace the distributor cap/rotor, oil, and spark plugs.

 

It's past due for replacement. Check the other items noted above also.

Yay for modern timing chains.........

 

Honda/Acura belts, because of their high quality, can usually go a little longer than with some other makes ( I think Honda recommends 90-100K) but my strong advice is to replace it, especially if you have no documented service records showing an earlier replacement. The regular power-steering and A/C belts may be due for replacement, too.

I'm not sure about the specific engine in your car, but many older Honda and Nissan engines are what is called "Interference" engines. If the timing belt breaks at a significant engine RPM, the descending valves can hit the pistons with considerable force as they are coming up...there is no clearance at TDC (Top Dead Center). When and if that happens, serious engine damage can result....sometimes a rebuild.

 

i thought honda just changed there timing belt intervals to 90k? i thought it was always 60k until recetly?

anyway when you change the belt go ahead and change the water pump also since its right there. i had a customer that had a crv that broke his timing belt and lets just say it was a very expensive repair.

 

it's been 90k for as long as i can remember. Honda older engine platforms run on rubber timing belts. The newer k-series uses timing chain.

You might as well fork out the money now instead of spending a lot more later on.

 

my 2000 prelude was every 90k miles, if you are still uneasy just get the timing belt inspected visually

 

It has been 90K for about a decade or longer. Some of the cars even changed to 105K, or at least some of the Acura cars did.

At 150K on an original belt I personally would change it.

 

My '98 CL (essentially an Accord) recommends changing the timing belt at 90K and doing the water pump at the same time, like wolverine said. I actually got it done early on my car since I'm putting miles on it pretty slowly.