timing belt replacement for 1987 Honda Accord?

Question

I have a 1987 Honda Accord (134,000 miles, automatic transmission, good condition) that needs a timing belt replacement.
My mechanic says its gonna cost me anywhere between $300 to $400. He has advised me not to spend that much since its such an old car. He is telling me to give it to the junkyard instead.
Is that the standard cost for this kind of job. How can I get to spend less? Any suggestions?

(My car died suddenly while I was driving it. Mechanic told me its the timing belt)

Answer 1

That's not outrages the particular job.

Some things to consider:

1. Is the car worth it?

2. Are the brakes in need of a major expense?

3. Are the steering parts in good condition?

4. Is the body rotten?

5. Is the transmission in need of rebuild?

6. Is the engine blowing blue smoke?

7. What is the condition of the cooling system?

8. What is the condition of the electrical system?

9. Does it need new tires?

10 How much money am I going to spend to travel another 20,000 miles?

Answer 2

Need to warm it up: That points to fluid dynamics. Could be an internal leak BUT FIRST: Did you use the CORRECT fluid? I know in later model Honda's there is a very specific fluid and others won't work well, their friction qualities are not compatible. MY HUNCH: If you had not been changing fluid on a regular basis then the original fluid finally lost it's hydraulic and friction properties which caused the no shift issue. My guess is when you did change fluid you used the incorrect specification fluid. If the fluid was not Honda spec. a cheap next step is to identify and purchase the correct fluid Honda specs.for your 1991 Accord and drain as much of the old fluid out & refill. Drive a little to circulate fluid. Let everything cool. Replace again with new. Drain out again and replace w/new. By then you should have enough of the correct fluid in the torque converter etc. to determine if this is going in the right direction meaning there is an improvement in the shifting.

Answer 3

My own personal take on that is...if the car drives well, and is reliable, certainly repair it, IF the timing belt did not cause loud noises when it jumped tooth or broke...that becomes the "iffy" part of the choice, since if your belt broke, it is possible the valves got jammed in the pistons, bending a valve or put a hole in the piston...so if the belt only jumped a tooth, you may be ok. If it broke completely, then it is a cross your fingers thing...

Oh, the $300 to $400 isn't real expensive, it does take some work to do it right...

Answer 4

Replacing a timing belt is labor intensive and requires a modicum of skill and care. You might find a mechanic who will do it for less, but the price quoted seems in the ballpark. If the car suits your needs otherwise, go for it. Expect periodic maintenance costs. Beats shelling out megabucks for a new car, monthly payments, etc.

If your belt has never been replaced, do it now. You're overdue. The car won't run if it breaks, and on some engines you could cause real damage.

Answer 5

1987 Accord

Answer 6

Changing a timing belt is not a difficult job and should not cost as much as you have been quoted. Out of interest take the car to a Honda garage and ask them for a quote.
If you want to do it cheap, get a service manual and do it yourself. If done in a slow methodical manner you should have not problem.

Answer 7

If you are still happy with your car I would change the mechanic instead. The timing belt itself costs $20 and the pulley $25.

Answer 8

buy a repair manual for your car and replace it yourself. that is cheaper.