OK, I have a 2003 Accord, 6 cylinder, 3.0 VTek with 125,000 miles, due for an inspection soon. Don't yell at me , but is it really necessary to replace the timing belt? I know the manual says 105,000. I'm not a mechanic, but the belt looks fine to me. This is a big bucks job. No one wants to spend money to fix something that ain't broke, but I don't want to be stupid either. Should I do it? And what about the water pump? Is that necessary also? Assuming the answer is yes, what is a price range that I should expect to pay, at a regular mechanic, not Honda? And is it very important to use Honda parts? I know what you're going to say, but I just thought I'd throw it out there. Thanks for your time. Dave

 

Change the belt. How did you look at it, you took the cover off? I don't know where you live, but here in Louisville Kentucky, the dealer charges $269.00 for a 6 cylinder, $199.00 for a 4 cylinder, to change it. The water pump is usually changed since it's easy to get to when you do the TB. FYI, I went 200K before I changed the water pump, but I wouldn't go more than the 105K recommended by Honda for the TB. If it breaks, it's going to likely cost you an engine.

 

Thank you