anyone????? can i look when valve cover is removed?????

 

isnt there a bunch of stuff there that we cant get to...

 

Looking a feeling the belt is not a good indicator of its remaining useful life. It could have cracks or it couldn't but that doesn't mean it will snap soon. Just change it at the recommended interval or 10-15K sooner

 

I dunno...i'd be afraid it would get slippery and be prone to slipping even before the teeth break. Why don't all car companies use non-servicable chains instead of belts. Its not like the chains were just invented or something. How much extra would it really cost?

I guess they just want people lining up at the dealer every 60-90K to pay for timing belt changes.

 

Im no car expert, but I read in another thread here that timing chains while stronger, cause more friction (makes sence with more piceces etc.) and more friction = more loss of energy.

Basically timing chains go on big vechicles with lots of torqe where a belt could possibly break, belts go on small cars like hondas so they can be more efficent, get better milage, and leak less power from the motor.

 

Makes sense :thumbup:

 

OK, hear me out on this one: Your timing belt is the only belt on the car that you DON'T mess with. First off, lubricants will tend to soften or misshape the belt, your timing belt MUST be perfect or the timing will be off (hence the name TIMING belt). Don't mess with it, you're betting your engine on it. A visual inspection will do you no good. There is a plastic cover over the belt, even if you go through the headache of removing it, you can't really tell if it's ready to be replaced. Either way, you don't want to mess around with it, it's one of those parts that when it goes, it takes your engine with it. Just replace it at the recommended intervals. If you haven't had the car since 60K, have it replaced just to be on the safe side.

 

actually...thats NOT the timing belt...those are the ac/alternator/powersteering belts........the timing belt hoever is on the OTHER side of the engine opposite the distributor cap always!

Its protected with a black plastic covering thats a BIIII to take off like cwa107 said. Just pay the price to get it changed at a shop...DONT get it dont at honda....i sure am not....they charge WAYYY too much money..in the upwards of $350.

yes...visual inspections really do no good. Just get it changed at the recommended intervals.

Your originally asked if you need to remove the valve cover to see it....actually thats the EASIEST and quickest way to get a look at it..but its a very LIMITED look. You can touch it..thats about it...you cant really inspect much of it.

Also....for those of you with valve cover gasket leaks. Your valve cover leaking oil might get into the timing belt compartment and oil softens and rots rubber, so be on the look out for that. NOBODY should have a valve cover gasket leak because the thing is rediculously easy to change, really it is. Just make sure you get the rubber gasket instead of the cork one....much easier to put on the rubber one is.

Ok, thats enuff of me talkin..hope that helps ya out.

Dave