Water Pump/Timing Belt.... WHO NEEDS THEM?!?!

[STAXX59]

Every thread I read regarding the purchase of a used NSXs asks whether or not the water pump and belts have been replaced. I'm looking at a 91 with 56k miles and to the best of the current (third) owner's knowledge, the water pump and belts have not been changed. Will there signs that will indicate when this will be necessary? Can I hold off on this? Or will this be extremely expensive to fix after they fail?

BTW, thanks everyone. I've only been a member for a few weeks but already I feel fortunate to know that there are others who share the same passion.

 

[I Grok NSX]

Re: Water Pump and Timing Belt Advice

Hi There,

Changing the timing belt/water pump is probably one of the first priorities if you decide to purchase the 91 NSX you are looking at. It's WAY past due as far as time goes. Every second you drive it (if you buy it :biggrin: ) is like playing Russian roulette. It will fail, but when, no one knows.

If you let an Acura dealer do the change, it's gonna cost at least $1100 (do a search, there are several NSX owners here who have had the service done recently and they can tell you what the cost was).

You don't even want to know about the cost of repair if the belt does go while you are in motion. Again, there are several threads about this too. It's MUCH cheaper to do the belt and water pump BEFORE the belt fails. Also, think about changing the cooling hoses too. Remember, they are 14 years old and not getting any stronger.

Good luck.

 

[ashman]

In my opinion, with all due respect to prespective owner STAXX59. If the expense of the tb/wp service causes you to consider postponing the seriously over due servicing, you may want to reconsider your purchase.

 

[Hugh]

Every thread I read regarding the purchase of a used NSXs asks whether or not the water pump and belts have been replaced.

That should have been your first clue as to how important this is. Chances are the coolant hoses were neglected as well and need to be replaced.

 

[NRG]

Timing belt on a Honda/Acura/any car that used belt is something you need to change based on timing or mileage. My brother had a Honda Civic...and bamm...the belt broke. He spent like 4K to fix his engine... that's just a Civic only that was worth 8K... Can you imagine the cost on an NSX?

 

[sahtt]

You will need them. If the belt breaks, you will probably need a new engine too. You'll also have to get the old engine out, and new engine in. It will cost 1/2 the price of the car unless this 91 is in exceptional condition.

I agree, if you cannot purchase the car and afford the 1k maint., you may want to look for a lower priced NSX or for sure get him to come down on his price a little. Unfortuantely, many owners, even of NSX's, seem to downplay the importance of this maint. when selling the car. Make sure the tb/wp service is done in TOTALITY every seal, part, etc.

 

[clr1024]

In my opinion, with all due respect to prespective owner STAXX59. If the expense of the tb/wp service causes you to consider postponing the seriously over due servicing, you may want to reconsider your purchase.

I agree. If you can't afford to do this you may be looking at the wrong car. Its one thing to wreck a civic/integra engine, its another to wreck a NSX engine. For the price of the timing belt water pump on the NSX you can buy a civic/integra motor....something to think about. Are you going to be proactive or reactive...which one costs more?

 

[DutchBlackNsx]

And then after you saved up for a tb/wp service, you accidently hit a curb, nothing spectaculair, still discovering the handling of the NSX, but you do need some suspension parts......