🔧 Timing Belt - Replacement

The timing belt on your Accord V6 should be replaced carefully because the engine is interference-type, which means valve damage can happen if the cam timing is off. This job is usually done with the water pump, tensioner, and idlers at the same time so you do not have to go back in later.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 6-9 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting.
• Support the vehicle securely with jack stands if you need to raise the right side.
• Keep hands clear of the crankshaft pulley and belt path.
• Do not rotate the crankshaft or camshafts independently once the belt is removed.
• Use a torque wrench on every critical fastener.
• The engine is interference-type, so incorrect timing can cause major engine damage.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 22mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Harmonic balancer puller (specialty)
• Honda crankshaft pulley holding tool (specialty)
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Pliers
• Drain pan
• Shop light
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Timing belt kit - Qty: 1
• Timing belt tensioner - Qty: 1
• Timing belt idler pulley - Qty: 1
• Water pump - Qty: 1
• Water pump gasket - Qty: 1
• Accessory drive belt - Qty: 1
• Engine coolant - Qty: 1 service fill
• Valve cover gasket set - Qty: 1 set
• Front crankshaft seal - Qty: 1
• Camshaft seals - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool completely before opening the cooling system.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable.
• If the right front of the car must be lifted, chock the rear wheels first.
• Remove the key and keep the ignition off while working.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove access components

• Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the battery negative cable.
• Use a 12mm socket to remove the upper engine cover, air ducting, and any brackets blocking the right side of the engine.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver to release any clips on the intake ducting.

Step 2: Drain coolant

• Place a drain pan under the radiator.
• Open the radiator drain with your hand or a flat-blade screwdriver if equipped with a slot style drain.
• Drain enough coolant to get below the water pump level.

Step 3: Remove the accessory belt and crank pulley

• Use a 14mm socket and breaker bar to relieve tension on the accessory drive belt tensioner, then remove the belt.
• Use a 22mm socket, Honda crankshaft pulley holding tool (specialty), and breaker bar to loosen the crankshaft pulley bolt.
• Remove the crankshaft pulley with a harmonic balancer puller (specialty) if it is stuck.
• Torque to 245 Nm (181 ft-lbs) on installation.

Step 4: Remove timing covers

• Use a 10mm socket to remove the upper and lower timing cover bolts.
• Lift the covers off carefully so you do not damage the sealing edges.

Step 5: Set engine to top dead center

• Use a 19mm socket on the crankshaft bolt to rotate the engine clockwise only.
• Align the crank timing mark with the pointer and line up the cam gear marks exactly with their references.
• Paint marks help during reassembly.

Step 6: Remove the old belt and tensioner

• Use a 14mm socket to remove the timing belt tensioner bolts.
• Remove the tensioner and then slide the timing belt off the sprockets.
• Use a 12mm socket or 10mm socket as needed to remove the idler pulley.

Step 7: Replace the water pump and seals

• Use a 10mm socket to remove the water pump bolts.
• Remove the water pump and clean the mating surface.
• Install the new gasket and water pump.
• Torque to 12 Nm (9 ft-lbs) on the water pump bolts.
• If replacing seals, use a seal puller carefully and install the new front crankshaft seal and cam seals flush.

Step 8: Install new idler, tensioner, and belt

• Use a 12mm socket to install the new idler pulley.
• Torque to 44 Nm (33 ft-lbs) on the idler pulley bolt.
• Install the new tensioner and torque its bolts to 44 Nm (33 ft-lbs).
• Route the new timing belt over the crank gear, water pump, idler, and cam gears in the correct path.
• Keep the belt tight on the non-tensioned side while installing.
• No slack on the cam side.

Step 9: Release tension and verify timing

• Pull the tensioner pin or release the tensioner according to the new part design.
• Use a 19mm socket to rotate the engine clockwise by hand two full revolutions.
• Recheck all timing marks. They must line up exactly.
• If they do not, remove the belt and correct the alignment before going further.

Step 10: Reassemble the front of the engine

• Use a 10mm socket to reinstall the timing covers.
• Install the crankshaft pulley with a 22mm socket and holding tool.
• Torque to 245 Nm (181 ft-lbs) on the crank pulley bolt.
• Reinstall the accessory belt with a 14mm socket to release the tensioner.
• Reinstall intake parts and engine covers with a 10mm socket and 12mm socket.

Step 11: Refill coolant and reconnect power

• Refill the cooling system with the correct coolant mix.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket.
• Bleed air from the cooling system if required by the refill procedure.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and listen for abnormal ticking, rubbing, or squealing.
• Check for coolant leaks at the water pump and hoses.
• Confirm the accessory belt runs true and the engine idles smoothly.
• Watch the temperature gauge during the first road test.
• Recheck coolant level after the first full heat cycle.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $1,100-$1,800 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $350-$700 (parts only)

You Save: $750-$1,100 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 6-9 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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