Replacing a timing chain?

Tiny
THEVERTICAL
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 HONDA ACCORD
4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 117000 miles

I have a 2004 Honda Accord 4 cly with 117,000 miles. Do I need to replace the timing chain? If so, at what miles?

I just double checked my owners manual and the 4 cyl.'S do not have a belt. The V6 does but not the 4cyl. It has a chain. And they recommend every 60,000 miles changing the belt (though I usually see 90,000).
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Friday, October 23rd, 2009 AT 11:25 AM

13 Replies

Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
That is correct. The in-line 4 cylinder engines do have a timing chain, but there is no set interval for replacement. They are supposed to last up to 150,000 miles or the life of the vehicle. As for the V6 with timing belts, the mileage depends on the severity of the driving style. 105,000 is what the dealer recommends replacing the timing belt under normal operating conditions. Under severe operating conditions the mileage is every 60,000.

Here are the timing chain replacement guides so you can see for yourself.

Check out the diagrams (Below)

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers
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Friday, October 23rd, 2009 AT 1:39 PM
Tiny
501BOB
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 2004 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 108,000 MILES
I have a 2004 honda 4 cylinder accord with a timing chain.I am at 108k miles. How long is the chain expected to last. What other componets should I be looking at.I do my own oil changes, it doesn't leak or burn any oil. The idle is a little rough.
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Tuesday, January 17th, 2017 AT 1:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
501BOB
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I bought a hanes manual it says my 4 cylinder has a timing chain
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Tuesday, January 17th, 2017 AT 1:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
You are correct. You have one of the few Hondas made with a chain. They don't have any specific maintenance period for a chain and they can last indefinitely.
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Tuesday, January 17th, 2017 AT 1:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MOMO_AYALA23
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2005 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 60,000 MILES
Engine Mechanical problem
2005 Honda Accord 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 60000 miles

When can I change the timing belt on my 2005 Honda accord 4 cyl
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Tuesday, January 17th, 2017 AT 1:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
No recommendation on time or mileage for timing chain replacement
****
so I would not worry about it
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Tuesday, January 17th, 2017 AT 1:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
  • MEMBER
  • 0 POST
  • 1995 HONDA ACCORD
  • 133,000 MILES
Will changing the timing chain affect the transmission performance?
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Tuesday, January 17th, 2017 AT 1:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
EZHONDA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 HONDA ACCORD
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 85,000 MILES
Engine Mechanical problem
2003 Honda Accord 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 85000 miles

I have a 2003 Honda Accord DX (4 cyl, manual trans). Does this car have a timing belt or timing chain? When does it need to be serviced / replaced?
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Tuesday, January 17th, 2017 AT 1:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CGOEHRING
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1993 HONDA CIVIC
Engine Mechanical problem
1993 Honda Civic 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 90K miles

I'm a intermediate-level mechanic, often doing my own car repairs. What level of mechanical expertise is required to change a timing belt & water pump on a '93 Honda 4cyl Civic? Any special tools required?
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Tuesday, January 17th, 2017 AT 1:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Hi cgoehring,

Except for the pulley removal, all other jobs requires normal tools and the most important thing before releasing the tension and removal of the belt, mark the position.

Turn the crankshaft to TDC on No 1 cylinder firing and mark the camshaft position. Lower belt sprocket has a mark to match the engine after removal of pulley.
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Tuesday, January 17th, 2017 AT 1:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MOLINASWEST
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1990 HONDA PRELUDE
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 147,031 MILES
Engine Mechanical problem
1990 Honda Prelude 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 147031 miles

I aplogize for not being able to donate, I was recently laid off and had to replace the a/c compressor ($$$) on my 1990 Prelude. The timing belt has now failed. With an 'interference engine', what are the chances that no damage was done to the valves? I really cannot afford a new engine! When we purchased the a/c compressor, the year for the pump we finally purchased was actually for a 1986, which was identical to the original - could the motor actually be a 1986? (Carborated - 1990 - VIN matches w/ 1990 also). Iappreciate any information you may provide.
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Tuesday, January 17th, 2017 AT 1:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Hi MolinasWest,

You have a 50/50 chance of the engine not being damaged due to the timing belt failure.

Remove the valve cover and check the valve clearances. If any is excessively out of specs, the valves have been damaged. Remember to turn the cranshaft away from TDC before attempting to turn the camshafts.

What is the engine code?
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Tuesday, January 17th, 2017 AT 1:07 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Remove the valve cover, all you need to know is under it, slim chance nothing bent. The same compressors are used over many years. I have no doubt it's a 90!
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Tuesday, January 17th, 2017 AT 1:08 PM (Merged)

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