I have a '97 Acura Integra with about 181k. I replaced my first timing belt around 90-100k. I have to find my receipt to make sure. Anyway, I have a friend who has like a '96 Geo Metro with 156k and never replaced his timing belt.

Do I really need to replace mine so soon at 90k? Acura should make a better timing belt than what's in a Geo Metro right?

Just wondering cuz the dealership says it's like $646 (water pump not included) which is more than what I paid the first time. I'm trying to make it to 200k.

Curious on many miles other people waited before changing the timing belt?And what is miss timing all about? How will I know?

Thanks.

 

90k is the recommended service mileage for the timing belt for your car. I'd stick with that.

Your friend is gambling with the life of their engine. You could do the same thing and it's not really a question of part quality, it's about recommeneded maintenance schedules. You could gamble just as much as they are, but is the cost of replacing the timing belt/water pump all that much in comparison to the price of replacing bent valves, dented pistons, and the timing belt/water pump if the belt breaks? Only you can make that decision.

Consider taking it to the dealership and just have them inspect the belt. They may clear you for another 20k mi on that belt depending on its condition.

 

I definitely wouldn't skimp out here. If you do the timing belt -- make sure the water pump gets done too! Supplies cost around $200, maybe you could get a friend or somebody to do it for you. Timing belt isn't to terribly hard.

The result of a broken belt could be catastrophic. Just my .02.

 

Depending on the year, your friend's Geo Metro is powered by a Suzuki G10 or G13 motor.
Neither of these are interference design motors.
If their timing belt snaps, the worst part is that the car won't start.

For your car, the stakes are much higher.

The timing belt is a mission-critical component, and the B18B1 motor is an interefence design. If the timing belt fails, there's a very good chance that pistons and valves will collide.

The timing belt replacement interval is 90K miles.
I would shop around to find a better price on the belt service.
For $650, you should be getting a new tensioner and water pump IMO.

It should cost roughly $550± (at an independent shop) to have the timing belt replaced, along with a new water pump and tensioner assembly.

Replacing your engine will cost at least three times as much.

It's your call.

 

Please change that timing belt soon...spend $650 now instead of $1500 or more later. I speak from experience.

 

I recently replace the t belt and water pump on my 97 gsr with 90k miles. The recomended schedule is 90 k or 6 years which ever comes first, so mine is way over due. But suprisingly the condition of the belt is like new, no cracks around the teeth at all, I suspect it'll last another may be 50k? Then again i heard the condition of the belt says nothing about the remaining service life, who knows. I saw a belt split right in the middle and still running. Why don't you remove the valve cover and check out the condition of the belt? If you decide to replace it your self which is not hard, make sure use OEM parts. I bought a "OME spec" kit and have huge problem making the water pump fit.

 

Since you in Huston you may fall under "severe" driving condidtion category, in that case the manual says replace the belt every 60k miles.

 

i <3 theotherdave in a non homo way. hes like google but cooler :chuckles:

like everyone said, get the timing belt replaced. if you don't it could cost you a lot more than 600$ if it goes while your driving