"ms" <redhottblondie07 DeleteThis @sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:ZkyGe.2205$IH2.69@newssvr27.news.prodigy.net...
>I have 99,000 trouble-free miles. I think the timing belt replacement is
>overdue.
> How critical is changing the timing belt?
> How many shop hours should I expect to pay at my dealer?
>
> thanks,
> mike
>
Your owner's manual will say if it is overdue, but it is about due in any
case.
The timing belt change is absolutely critical. If it fails the engine may or
may not be worth repairing. Call around to reputable shops in the area - the
price can vary over a wide range, so get the best deal you can trust.
Many of us recommend replacing the water pump at the same time, for two
reasons. The lesser reason is that it is possible for the water pump to
seize and cause the timing belt to fail, but the main reason is that the
water pump life expectancy is similar to the timing belt expectancy and 90%
of the labor to change the water pump is already done in doing the timing
belt. Some people have reported getting over 200K miles out of a water pump,
but the odds compared with the stakes make it an easy choice for me.
Mike
>> Stay informed about: 2000 Civic DX timing belt