Rep Power: 0

Hello.

I have a 1990 Civic Hatchback with 232,000 miles and I am wondering if I should replace the timing belt. It was last replaced 7 years ago at 166,000 miles. I know the manual says to replace every 6 years or 90,000 miles, whichever comes first, but since I have only gone about 65,000 since last time Do I need to do it? Don't miles matter much more than time?

Also, if I do end up doing it, what else should I replace besides the water pump. Tensioner? Springs? Any Seals?

Lastly, are there any good write ups on how to do it?

Thanks

 
Rep Power: 518

Say this out loud:
What part of this statement don't you understand?

Rubber rots with time. Just look at old tires.
Probably. Especially if you plan on keeping the car for a while. The timing belt depends on staying clean and dry for long life.

Service information: Public Library?
Many have subscriptions to Alldata and/or Mitchell for DIYers.

HTH

 
Rep Power: 0

I know rubber can degrade with time, but doesn't the belt get most of its strength from the fibers inside the belt? I would think that those would degrade more from the number of cycles than from time.

 
Rep Power: 518

The teeth of the belt aren't really reinforced, in the way you may be thinking.

If you have never seen a timing belt fail from old age, many of them just shear the teeth off when the crank begins to spin as you try to start the engine. Crank spins, cam does not. Any valves that were open in that camshaft position may get bent when the pistons come up.