Rep Power: 0

Previous owner didn't know if the timing belt was changed. Its a 99 with 152,000 miles. Below are pictures of the belt. Did the original belt have "Gates" on the belt or is that aftermarket? And does the belt look like 50,000 or 150'000?

Picture #1

Picture #2

 
Rep Power: 518

I have no idea if it's an original or not, but that belt says HONDA so at least it is a factory part.

It's very hard to judge the age of a timing belt once it's been run, until it is showing cracking. There's a real fine line between showing age cracking and stripping the teeth off and really ruining your day.

The lettering is showing wear, I might guess it's over 60k. Maybe between 60 and 100k.

If there is ANY question, it needs replaced.
Better safe than sorry and having to fix a pile of bent valves IMO.
Consider replacing the tensioner pulley and water pump with dealer parts too.


When you change the belt, you might paint the mileage on the timing cover as a reminder that won't wear off.

HTH

 
Rep Power: 0

The thing is its my boys car and he's only going to keep this car till he gets his other Civic repaired. He wrecked it. I looked at the belt all the way around and saw no cracks.

 
Rep Power: 518

Bla bla bla, famous last words.

Do you know how often I hear crap like, "I'm selling the car next month", or "Fix it as cheap as you can, I'm trading it off next week",

and our shop favorite "It's only gotta last one more winter" (re: the ancient Ramcharger snowplow trucks at work)...


The car will more likely be around for a long time if it doesn't crap out or get crashed.
A quick google image search gives some images...

This has serious cracking even though the white lettering is clearly visible


So if yours does not show cracking on the flat side,
The next thing to check is this:
Remove the belt and wrap it around your finger backwards to stretch out the toothed side like so



Look for cracking in the toothed areas all the way around



Because cracking in the teeth is what leads to stripping all the teeth off around the crank pulley upon attempting to start the engine when the forces are the highest, even better on a really cold morning:


If this had been on a Honda, it probably would have bent some valves.

I'm thinking the timing belt in this image would have cracks in the toothed area--- but if it were still installed on the engine they would be damn hard to see.

This is a good example why the belt really should be removed to inspect.....and at that point it would be stupid to not replace it since it's already apart.

My own rule of thumb that comes from experience and some manufacturer training classes is 'if the timing belt has more than 30k on it and you have it off for any reason, it's best to just replace it.

HTH