I may be missing something, but I have scoured my '03 4cyl accord ex manual looking for when I need to change my timing chain and water pump and it is no where to be found. I also check the service info from the dealership. Nothing.... I checked ownerlink and nothing there either. I am so used to the timing belt thing for my hondas; what gives?

is there a problem if you mix synthetic with mineral? the guy at pepboys told me that it is bad to go back to mineral after i gone synthetic. truth?

wrong place sorry. okay yea. i have the 2000 accord and its a v6. i didn't need to change the timing belt and pump til 106k miles. so yours should be around there i would think.

Look on page 250. The chart in your manual should have a chart for 4 cyl. It has the "inspection" intervals. Logically if it's worn it would be replaced at any mileage. On page 302 it has what to look for in a worn belt...proper range on the tensioner.

You're right though, I didn't see it say "replace at this mileage". Weird. Just inspect every 30K.

It does say it for the V6 at 105K.

The 2.4L 4cyl Honda started using in the CRV in '02 and the Accord in '03 no longer has a timing belt. It uses a timing chain.

The current V6 still uses a belt and must be replaced at the recommended mileage.

Usually when manufactures go to a chain, they drop the required replacement period and say they are good for the life of the engine. Chains do break also, but usually at much higher mileage and they usually make noise before doing so.

My sons 95 Alty is at 195K miles on the original timing chain. It's been making noise since 100K, but the cost of replacement (labor cost) is higher than a used, low mileage replacement engine. It's a bear to tackle with the engine in the vehicle, so we've decided to go until it fails and then determine if the vehicle is worth the cost to swap an engine in it.

Look on page 250. The chart in your manual should have a chart for 4 cyl. It has the "inspection" intervals. Logically if it's worn it would be replaced at any mileage. On page 302 it has what to look for in a worn belt...proper range on the tensioner.

You're right though, I didn't see it say "replace at this mileage". Weird. Just inspect every 30K.

It does say it for the V6 at 105K.

So when do you replace the water pump on an I4 ?

When you start seeing fluid in the weep hole...

When you start seeing fluid in the weep hole...

Where is that and what does it look like?

It is right on the water pump shaft on the bottom. When a pump starts going bad you will see a slight fluid leak there....

thanks

Turn the water pump pulley counterclockwise. Check that it turns freely. If it doesn't turn smoothly, replace the water pump.

NOTE: When you check the water pump pulley, you may see a small amount of ''weeping'' from the bleed holes (A). This is normal.

I'd still replace it at 105K/5 year time frames. I don't think it's ever been on the list of things to replace. But with timing belts, it was done with it. If it wasn't, it often leaked or squealed soon after. So with a timing chain, I'd do the same basic time as before.

I'd still replace it at 105K/5 year time frames.

I thought the time frame was 7 yrs. Have you replaced the timing belt/water pump on yours yet?

is there a problem if you mix synthetic with mineral? the guy at pepboys told me that it is bad to go back to mineral after i gone synthetic. truth?


That employee was showing his/her absolute and total lack of knowledge concerning synthetic and regular oil. GALACTIC FAIL and false.

I thought the time frame was 7 yrs. Have you replaced the timing belt/water pump on yours yet?

You're right.... Nope, miles wise it's not even close, but time wise, next Summer. Possibly sooner living where heat does such wonderful things to whatever it touches!!:D

I'll probably have 50K next year. The Ridgeline has now passed up the Accord, but it's slowing down (he works closer now) & when school starts mine will go up. So we'll be running close for a while.