Freddy wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have a 1996 Honda Accord and it has some 267,000 km on it.
>
> I have changed the timing belt when it hit 247,000 km....and I just
> got back from the mechanic after hearing weird engine noises and he
> told me that my timing needed to be changed.
>
> Is it possible that I have to change my belt after only 20,000 km? is
> it possible that this was induced when another mechanic did a valve
> adjustment on my engine (yesterday)...
>
> Well what happened is that after hearing some noise in the engine, it
> sounded to me like a valve adjustment is needed. and the mechanic told
> me that the engine might be dying!...so I asked him to do the valve
> adjustment anyways...after that was taken care of yesterday, I started
> hearing some new weird noises (not sure if they were there before and
> hidden by the noise made by the valves)...so the noise now resembles
> something bubbling (buck buck) when the car is idle or not
> accelerating...however, when i'm accelerating or going at a steady
> pace, there is no sound and the ride is smooth.
> So I took the car to another mechanic, as I didn't like the first
> one's opinion that the engine is getting close to its end...and now he
> told me that he had to replace the timing belt.
> I haven't ridden the car yet...didn't get to go to the garage to pick
> it up...but I want to ask if something like that is possible or not!
>
> Thanks..
timing belt has nothing to do with engine life - it's replaceable. much
more likely it's either too tight or too loose. from the noise you
describe, maybe the latter.
so, what you need to do is find someone competent and have them sort
this out if you're not going to do it yourself. doesn't sound like
either of these two people are if they say the belt needs replacing
after only 20kkm.
as for engine life, hondas regularly go 500kkm on one motor, so you're
not there yet. unscrew the oil filler cap with the motor idling. if
there's massive amounts of blow-by, the engine may be worn. but if you
don't have experience on this, you may not be able to judge.
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