Timing Belt and Valve Adjustment Specials

[dvpatel]

Local stealer is running a $399 for 4 cylinder and $499 for V6 Honda for TB package. Includes, timing belt, water pump, drive belt(s) and coolant replacement.

I called for the Accord (107K and way over the 8 years) and they said all inclusive with taxes and shop charges it would be $540 all said and done for the TB package. I thought it was a good price so I have an appt with them early next week.

I asked them about the valve adjustment and that is going to be $370. Once the shop tech "listens" to the engine they will know more as to if I need the valve job or not.

Quick searches on here and what Mr. Google says, I am thinking these are good prices. The TB one is really good as I have not read about a $499 price on here. Vavle job is ball park on the low side with some paying upwards of $500 for the same job.

I also asked about the tensioner. Tht is going to be about $145 in parts only if I need it replaced. I know its recommended to get it replaced on here but the stealer says since its a hydraulic tensioner, if it leaks it needs replaced. If not, it doesn't. Haven't decided on whether to go for it or not given the tranny is beginning to go down the pike again. We might be keeping the car but not sure for how long.

Thoughts?

[HONACUTECH]

there must be a distinct difference in "valve job" and "valve adjustment", they are two very different things!! a Honda is built with variable adjusting valve tappets, or in American terms the it would be the equivalent to 'pushrods'. this clearance must be EXACT. unfortunately a trained technician must listen to the valves first, if they are out of adjustment they will clack,tap,pop, or possibly other types of noises. this adjustment was made to keep the possibility open to carbon buildup and other factors. instead of removing the cyl heads, this simple adjustment can be made to compensate for valve clearance differences/tolerances , parts and labor this job should not cost more than 400. our price at my dealer for a v6 valve adjustment including gaskets is only about 330. I hope this helps!!

[dvpatel]

Thanks Hondacutech,

You are right. There is a difference in a Valve Adjustment and a Valve job. I meant the adjustment when I said valve job. This is what happens when I post before having coffee. I am only talking about vave adjustment as I do not have any issues and I don't think I have ticking or any other tapping either.

Thanks for your pricing on the valve adjustment. The local dealer is a bit on the expensive side so $370 would be kind of fair given they own 3 of the 4 local dealerships, they kind of have the market cornered. I might go for the TB special there and then get the valve adjustment done at a Honda specialized indy. I have this week to decide.

[New Dad New Van]

I'd still replace the tensioner (and pulley) but I would buy it online for less $ than the dealer (should be around $80 for the tensioner and $65 for the pulley). The idler pulley is $35. These prices are approx. as I had this job done a year ago on my 2001.

[davedrivesody]

Not sure if listening to the valves for a tapping noise is a conclusive test. If they are too tight, they won't make any noise.

$499 for a TB replacement is very good. Do they use Honda parts? (May seem like a silly question, but dealers sometimes use aftermarket parts.)

$330 for a valve adjustment is not too bad either. For the convenience, I would go for both. Plus, if something is amiss afterword, you know where to take it.

[dvpatel]

I will ask about the parts. I would be surprised if they use after market parts but you never know. As to the tensioner, unfortunately, they would not budge on matching on-line pricing or allow to bring sealed Honda parts. Tried that before and failed miserably. That is why I call 'em stealers.

Dave, my local price is $370 for the valve adjustment ("if I need it"). . I know they want the $370 so I am sure "I need it". LOL. But its fair. The car does have 107K on it and almost all my research says these Hondas do really need the valve adjustment done at 100K or so miles.

[HONACUTECH]

As a general rule of engineering if the valves or one of the valves in any cylinder are to tight then there would be issues, misfires, loss of compression ect. , trust me if the valves were to tight you would know.

[dvpatel]

That is what I told the SA. I have no issues but they will still listen to the engine and then determine if we need to open it up to check and adjust. Bill for that is going to be $370 give or take.

I also asked them about the parts. They only use Honda genuine parts so for the TB package, I am fine. I have not bothered to ask if I can bring my own tensioner as I know the answer already. Still contemplating if I should do the tensioner $145 on top of the $499 + tax + shop supplies given that we may or may not keep the Accord for long.

[dvpatel]

Well, dropped off the Accord. In about 30 minutes the SA came with a bill of $1600+. Apparently, my ball joints have a play and I also need an oil pump gasket as there is a leak and the correct time to do it is when the timing belt is being done. I will never know if the oil pump gasket needed changing. I passed on the ball joints as the car just passed inspection on Saturday. So, all in all its going to set be back $1170 + taxes and what not. Lets see how it goes. I decided to skip on the tensioner as they did not report it as a problem as odds of us keeping the car too long are getting slimmer by the day.