Yeah, I haven't used Duralast belts, but I've used non-dealer ones. Gates, I think. Honda doesn't manufacture belts, but I don't know which companies make them for Honda.

 

Hey guys,
I got the new adjuster nut from the dealer today so I went ahead and swapped out the water pump and timing belts. The manual I have calls for using a 6 x 100mm bolt to locate and hold the rear balancer while installing the balancer belt, but I ended up using a 15/64th drill bit instead, which worked fine. I am guessing a #2 phillips screwdriver would also work, but it may be a smidgen too big.

I ran out of time, but at this point I need only reassemble everything I took apart, refill with antifreeze and fire it up.

If the engine runs good, I'll contemplate repairing the A/C system. I know it needs a new condenser, receiver/dryer, possibly a couple of lines and new seals. Converting to R134a has already been partially done, but I'd want to flush a few things before refilling with ester oil and refrigerant. The compressor is really buried and difficult to get to. I'm guessing it will cost me around $300 if I repair/recharge the system myself. I'll need to borrow/rent the vacuum compressor and pressure manifold to do the job. With all the heat we have had in New York State lately, I'm inclined to fix the A/C.

I'm guessing that I've saved over $1000 so far by doing the work on this car myself. Hopefully I've done it all correctly. For a car that has lived in the rust belt for 20 years, it is in excellent condition.

Dave

 

On a lot of items the difference between getting OEM Honda at Majestic Honda vs aftermarket isn’t that different in price, so I get Honda. Someone on here posted that they have seen aftermarket timing belts with the wrong number of teeth.

 

Seems more likely that the store fumbled a part number for the belt. Cant imagine it REALLY having the wrong number of teeth.

 

As a general rule, I compare the old/new belts before I put them on. I'm sure that most of you do that as well. Of course, the belts I have looked fine or I wouldn't have installed them.

I'm going to only have a little time to work on the car today, so I doubt I'll get it done. Sigh.

Dave

 

Since the price is not much different, there is no reason to use non-honda parts. I bought battery from Honda dealer, no reason, the price from dealer is a few dollars cheaper. The battery capacity may be a little less but for my car, it is powerful enough. The first battery in the car since new lasted many years so I expect the 2nd battery will do the same thing. The 2nd reason why I stick to Honda parts is its high quality. I just replaced my timing belt. The timing belt and balance belt were in the car for 13 years and near 100K miles. I do not see much difference compare to the new belts I bought from Honda. I am very impressed. I showed these belts to my neighbors, they all impressed. The last reason is you know, if you buy from Honda, the parts will be always fit and work.

 

That was me that got a belt with an extra tooth when compared to my honda belt.

I was in such a rush to get the job done, that I went to my local honda dealership and got an OEM one. I might have received the wrong aftermarket belt.

I just suggest to mark the original belt and gears with whiteout, then count/mark the teeth on the new one to ensure the new belt will work. Plus it can't hurt to have an extra set of marks to work with.

 

I didn’t mean to start a debate I was just mentioning when the prices are close it may be worth buying from Honda. I don’t know about now, but way back when…when I worked at a dealership some parts were cheaper to get from the dealership than aftermarket. I have trouble with unknown brands such as store brands which I know nothing about and generally can’t find any information on. With a big job I like to know the quality of what is going into the job. I try to find out the brands Honda uses and go with that if the price difference is worth it such as O2 Sensors.

 

Yes, I normally compart parts prices. Sometimes the dealer IS cheaper.

 

Hi all,
I just wanted to let you all know that the car is back together and running better than before the work. The annoying tick is gone - which was likely due to the valve adjustment.

No leaks, no rubbing and no leftover parts.

Time to think about repairing the A/C.

Dave