The other day I purchased a 1998 Accord DX with 114K miles. AS I write this, some issues with the brakes are being addressed. Yesterday, I pulled the value cover to get a look at the timing belt. I rotated the camshaft enough to allow me to both view the timing belt manufacture information and to examine the belt. The belt "appeared" in good shape. However, exactly how appearances and reality align, is my main question here. At any rate, the installed camshaft belt is a GATES model *244 belt-- as evidence by the information I got from looking at the belt. This morning I called the local Honda Dealer to ask what Honda OEM belt might carry for a label? They said it would NOT say GATES. So---- my question: at 114K, is this enough evidence for me to stop worrying about this belt-- at least for another 6000 miles?

 

timing belts are to be changed around 100K miles.
If you have 114 and the belt is not stock then you should be good till 200K

Here is the problem however.
I have a 97 - I just changed the belt - I had 120K on the car.
I was surprised to find that my belt had been changed already
BUT the tensioner pulleys had not been changed. The bearing on one of them was very bad, it was not going to last another 100K for sure.
If either tensioner seizes up or the water pump seizes up the belt will break and most likely you will bend valves.

It is common for people to try and save money by only replacing as little parts as they can.

If you are planning on keeping the car for a while and you want peace of mind, tear into it and replace everything.

This Honda is the first used car I have bought in over 10 years. I bought it as I decieded it was time to start being smart with my money. This is the first time I haven't had a car payment since I was 21 (16 years ago). I want this car to last me for at least 5 years.
I spent around $100 - $120 on parts and $200 to the mechanic to replace everything, for me it was very worth it.

YMMV

 

You make some good points. Since Honda did not do this belt replacement, there is a distinct possibility that shortcuts may have been taken. However, 90% of the labor involved in timing belt replacement is incurred with the removing/replacing camshaft belt itself. So a new water pump, balance belt, and pulleys would actually add very little to the cost of the job. Nevertheless, there are people who don't quite see this logic.