Bought a 2003 Accord from my brother-in-law and all he did was drive it. So with 190,000 miles on it I changed plugs, tranny oil, brakes, serpentine belt, etc, etc. You know the usual stuff. Now that I own one I'm hearing that there is an internal timing belt that should be changed every so often. That's why I'm here,, to see if this is true and if it can be done by someone with limited mechanical ability, or should it be taken to a true mechanic? Can any of you give me the straight scoop on this subject. Thanks in advance. RRM

 

Forgot to mention, it's the four cylinder model. Thanks. RRM

 

The 4-Cylinder engines were fitted with a Timing Chain as of 2003; your car does not have a timing belt.

 

You dont have to worry about timing issues. Chains last a long time. The guides will wear out long before the chains. If you are concerned about it listen to the engine around the front of the valve cover. If you hear a rattle at idle yhen your guides are worn.

 

I've heard stories about rapid wear of the timing chain, in cases where the drivers don't check the oil level (dipstick) on any kind of regular basis.

Just because the oil-change interval is kinda long, you STILL HAVE TO look at the dipstick oil level to make sure it's not getting low.

 

Absolutely. I agree. Lack of maintenance is definately death of a perfectly good engine

 

touche'