2003TL Belts

"apdicenzo" wrote in news:ooJLl.1879$ snipped-for-privacy@newsfe03.iad:

After 6 years and 90K miles, I'd say so.

My 00 TL (125K mi.) is overdue for a new belt/water pump. I have been putting it off because I have been unemployed for the last 9 mos. I was wondering how much I can expect to pay at the dealer? I have considered doing this by myself, as I have an Acura service manual. However, considering that I am a computer tech...perhaps I'd better stick to computers. ;c)

Any advice?

David

"David" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@news1.newsguy.com:

Not sure. You'll have to call your local dealer to find out.

I'm guessing about $800, plus tax.

Are you asking whether or not it's a good idea to tackle this yourself? It's not difficult, but it's also definitely NOT a beginner's job. You can very easily wreck the engine or damage other expensive things if you're not careful.

Being a computer tech is one thing, and being VERY mechanically inclined is quite another. If you can safely consider yourself very much the second one, go for it.

Oh, and plus, do not attempt to do this without the proper tools. "Proper tools" means a bit more than some metric sockets and a set of screwdrivers.

This is my problem. And my credit cards are already approaching critical mass.

I do have a torque wrench and a floor jack, but not the holder handle or attachment. I don't have a hydraulic press, and I'm not sure if my vice is large enough to compress the auto-tensioner. Otherwise the procedure doesn't look that difficult from what I can see in the manual. If I can get my hands on a holder handle and the attachment, then I could probably do this.

Like you say, I definitely need the right tools. As for the time, I definitely have that. But I can't imagine this taking that long to do. Even with the new water pump. As for being mechanically inclined...as a teenager, I worked on all of my cars. I only took on computers in tech school because I was tired of getting grease under my fingernails...along with all the bloody busted knuckles!

I appreciate the advice, Tegger. Thanks.

David

I've got a 2001 T/L with 96k on it.

Dealer recommends that the belt be changed every seven years or 100K, whichever show's up first

Talked to a Honda/Acura specialist (John Blake of Blake Automotive). Type in his name on any search, and you'll find his name mention on most Acura/Honda info searches...

Mr. Blake is referred to as "MR. Honda" out here in this neck of the woods, and his shop is spectacular...

He indicated that colder climates are rougher on the timing belts than colder ones, and that the 100k mark is the one to go by, and not the time span, in warmer climates...

He qave me a quote of around $700 for the belt, water pump, seals, ect, while he's got it torn down for the change out.

I screwed up when I remarked about colder climates and warmer ones...

Colder climates are rougher on belts than Warmer ones...

According to my "favorite mechanic"