How do the mechanics know timing belt is done?

[pko5]

Can anyone help with this one?

I just bought a used NSX a few weeks ago and I took it to Autowave today to get it inspected (had to reschedule because Mark was the only one there today. Anyhow, the guy Ron said "we'll know if the timing belt has been done during the inspection".

I've read a few threads and did a search on this topic, but the only one I could find mentioned a rubber on a screw, etc. etc.. and if this rubber is missing, then that means the previous owner had them done (without taking the engine apart). Is this correct?
Are there other ways (besides taking out the tb cover) a skilled NSX mechanic such as Mark or Shane can tell if the timing belt was done?

And for those thinking "why doesn't this guy ask the previous owner", my answer is: he passed away.....so I don't have his phone number in the afterlife.

Paul.

 

[NSX-Racer]

We have a NSX service booklet here where all services are written in (with sign and stamp of the dealer).

Another possibility: Usualy the water pump is changed with the timing belt. So if it looks newer than the rest of the items it may be a hint for the change - but no proof.

 

[DanO]

Clue1: the look of the timing belt itself. If it looks new with the white lettering and numbering still somewhat in tact then this is a clue. Honestly, I don’t know how quickly the white markings wear off, so it might not be that good of a clue.

Clue2: Honda changed the design of the water pump. If the water pump was changed with the t-belt service then this will be obvious because the newer pump design has a nipple (I love that word) weep hole that sticks out through the t-belt cover.

By looking only at the car, this is the only way I can think of to try and diagnose t-belt age. If the water pump has not been replaced then I really don’t think there is a way to tell other than guessing.

.01

DanO

 

[pko5]

[obvious because the newer pump design has a nipple (I love that word) weep hole that sticks out through the t-belt cover.
DanO

Thanks DanO for the quick reply

BTW, I like the second word too (I highlighted it for you, in deep pink)



http://home.comcast.net/~pko5

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Yes, the water pump cries when it is bad

LarryB

 

[Casper91]

pko5:
Not to sound too obvious...
But did you ask Mark or Shane how they know?

I also take my car to those guys and am always
bugging them with questions. Why? How? What about...?

They have alwyas been very straight with me.

I'd still like to know the answer to your question though.

 

[pko5]

pko5:
Not to sound too obvious...
But did you ask Mark or Shane how they know?

I also take my car to those guys and am always
bugging them with questions. Why? How? What about...?

They have alwyas been very straight with me.

I'd still like to know the answer to your question though.

Yeah, they said USUALLY (not always) the water pump is replaced with the newer ones...mine wasn't...so they assumed it (timing belt) wasn't replaced. But they added the only way to know 100% is to open her up.

 

[Casper91]

I feel your pain.
When I bought my 1991 it had 50,000 mi and the t-belt service hadn't been done. (Same t-belt going on 13 years!)

You’d think a t-belt service would be the same where ever you go. Not so. When I checked into it, prices and actual service performed varied dramatically between dealerships.

If it were me I’d pay to know for sure, but it’s your call. I’ve found this site to be a good source of info., maybe someone has some other ideas.