Identifying if timing belt is old

VENU247

MEMBER
HONDA

Hi,

I purchased an Acura 98 3.5RL about 6months ago when the odometer reading read 116,000. While buying it, I did not confirm if the timingbelt was changed at 105,000 (as suggested by dealer). Now, I want to know how I could identify if the timingbelt is a new one or if I need to replace it. But how do I identify that? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Venu

3 Replies

GARFIELD

MECHANIC
197 POSTS

You could remove the timing belt over and see the condition of the belt, see if it has any manufacurers names present(like napa, dayco, goodyear or manufacurers name) If it has on of the names other than the manufacturers name then it has been changed. Most likely there will be nothing on it, secondly check the overall condition of the belt for fraying or oil soaking(any oil on the belt and it needs replacement along with finding out what is leaking and fixing it first!) If I was in your shoes and was questioning how old the timing belt was, I would error on the safe side and change it. If the dealer is unable to provide proof that it was changed I would not chance it and I would have it changed.

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Thursday, February 22nd, 2007 AT 10:04 AM

LOSTINMARS

MECHANIC
222 POSTS

You can't properly check the belt w/o removing it and at that point you gonna put a new one in anyway. You have to be able to beld the belt and look at the teeth. For how much it will cost when it brakes just change it. So now you have the cost of the belt plus whatever damage was done.

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Friday, February 23rd, 2007 AT 2:03 PM

RASMATAZ