Rep Power: 204

I have 142K miles on my '98 Civic. The previous owner can't recall if a timing belt was performed or not.

I did my valve clearance this weekend and decided to look at the belt for any cracks/wear and this is what I saw:




Now, if I told you I have 30K miles and my timing belt looked like above would you say I have to get a new timing belt? See where I'm going with this?

Other than mileage is there another way for us to really know if a timing belt change is due.

I'm being cheap because I have just found out my exhaust manifold is crack 3 to 4 inches long (can't be welded) and my registration is due next month. So, that's $400 for the exhaust manifold plus $100 for registration.

Can someone tell me how much I should expect to spend for all OEM parts for a timing belt change on a '98 Civic.

 
Rep Power: 216

I got mine changed at 120k for assurance. I had the Honda dealerhship change my belt since I didn't have the skill set, time, or any other reliable source to change it. Mine was about 6 and some change. Keep in mind I have an Si, so my parts were more. That included a new valve cover gasket, antifreeze, water pump, power steering, a/c and, alternator belt, and of course the timing belt itself. They were the cheapest Honda stealership around, but have a great rep for their work. If you can find yourself a trustworthy mechanic who won't charge you as much, take it there. I don't know what the signs are, but don't try to hold out as long as you can. If the belt goes, you're boned. I can't really tell judging from that photo, but I recently changed the vale cover gasket on my GFs 94 corolla. Belt looks brand new, but I didn't check the teeth on it. Car has 151k and is still on the original belt. I guess it's a combo of driving style and mileage. Honda suggests 100k for my Civic. You can go over a bit, but I'm one of those people who saves up for it and the minute I'm in the ballpark range for mileage, I get it done. Lol

 
Rep Power: 204

When I owned a '97 Prelude and had a mechanic perform the timing belt job at my house he had pulled the timing belt and that sucker was cracked all over. He was surprised the belt had not snapped. He said he never said anything like it. I had 179K miles on it.

That's Honda for you! LOL!

But you're right, I don't want to risk it but I also don't have the funds for it either.

$600 is a lot of money! So, I figure $300-400 for manifold + $100 for registration + $250 for timing belt & accessories I hope = $750 give or take. Damn!!!

 
Rep Power: 0

Many 6 cylinder tacomas go 220k+ miles on the timing belt (they should be changed around 100k, but most toyotas that have belts are non interference engines.

My 04 civic has 80k miles, I am planning on doing the belt soon (within the next month). Already ordered the crank pulley tool, all OEM parts for the timing belt is about $199.

What state do you live in? If you were in NJ I could help you out, the belt is only something like $16 from the dealer, its all the extra stuff like tensioner and water pump that makes it so much.

 
Rep Power: 0

As far as exhaust manifold is concerned, you can get an aftermarket header cheap ~$50

 
Rep Power: 811

usually its every 10-12 yrs if mileage isnt high enough, in normal conditions. ive seen plenty of belts last 150k but its not something you should try and find out lol.

 
Rep Power: 204

6 cyl. Tacomas? We're talking about 4 cyl. vehicles here. LOL! <---EDIT - Oops, misread your post. LMAO!

I'm in Cali so the exhaust manifold (especially for my Civic: 1998 LX) won't be $50. They go for $300-$400 if not more (even the aftermarket ones if there is one for CA).

 
Rep Power: 811

you need oem for cali. just find a good used one, people sell their cats all the time when going to race header.

 
Rep Power: 204

Really? Cuz the ones I see listed are aftermarket but they are C.A.R.B. approved. And they're still in the $400 range.

 
Rep Power: 811

hmm okay maybe they will be okay then. usually the aftermarkets cheap out on materials and the cat doesnt last as long.

 
Rep Power: 216

For real. My friend has an uncle out in Florida who let his 93 Accord go forever without a TB change. It went in the middle of rush hour on the highway. He somehow got a new engine in like a day .

 
Rep Power: 811

man my engine was ticking so bad today. i really need to do that valve adjustment

 
Rep Power: 204

Dew ett, GB.

During idle it's super quiet other than that stupid cracked exhaust manifold.

Acceleration is so smooth. Before I had to seriously make an effort to push the pedal to get up to speed but now I surprisingly find myself at a higher speed without awareness.