If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!

Are you getting a lot of blue smoke (oil leak) or white smoke (coolant leak)?

To me it sounds like your timing belt needs to be adjusted. Typical you do this at 100k but considering the age of your car you may need it now. Unless you have completely abused the car, like no oil changes, that Honda engine is just warming up at 68k.

I would take it to either the Car Doctor or a Honda dealer. Actually go to the Honda Dealer first get a diagnostic then have a reliable shopr (Car Doctor) do the work.

If a timing belt needs to be adjusted, it's too late, damage has occurred. ;)

Honda used to recommend timing belt changes at 90k miles, but have since switched to 110k mile intervals. I don't know where a 2002 falls, but either way, it should be fine as its only 7 years old at the oldest.

Valve lash frequently needs to be adjusted, though. This is an easy job just requiring the removal of the valve cover and a few minutes with a feeler gauge. A timing belt replacement is more involved. Probably about 4 hours of labor on that car. You should get the tensioner, water pump, and any and all seals that live behind the cam cover replaced while the work is being done. A timing belt replacement will probably be atleast $500 on the car being discussed.

If a timing belt needs to be adjusted, it's too late, damage has occurred. ;)

Honda used to recommend timing belt changes at 90k miles, but have since switched to 110k mile intervals. I don't know where a 2002 falls, but either way, it should be fine as its only 7 years old at the oldest.

Valve lash frequently needs to be adjusted, though. This is an easy job just requiring the removal of the valve cover and a few minutes with a feeler gauge. A timing belt replacement is more involved. Probably about 4 hours of labor on that car. You should get the tensioner, water pump, and any and all seals that live behind the cam cover replaced while the work is being done. A timing belt replacement will probably be atleast $500 on the car being discussed.

You are right I was thinking replacemnet. I don't know about a Vtech valve job it maybe a little more to it.

You are right I was thinking replacemnet. I don't know about a Vtech valve job it maybe a little more to it.

Nope, same procedure, just different clearance specs. :)

Nope, same procedure, just different clearance specs. :)


Ok. My money is on the timing belt.

My money is on the lack of oil and/or oil changes.

My money is on the lack of oil and/or oil changes.

If it is not a valve lash issue, then I am in your camp.

Honda engines usually don't break down with so few miles without some sort mistreatment.

I would immediately remove the car from his care and take it to another technician. Take it to a dealer and have them give an etimate with NO WORK authorized and then to a reputable service shop. A new motor should cost half what you were quoted, and that's with labor included. That would lead me to believe that you are getting hosed, that the guy either has no idea what's wrong, or is trying to get you to replace his gambling debts in exchange for a 11 dollar motor mount.

Exactly what I thought.

Engine is falling apart internally? What the hell is that supposed to mean? That made me laugh. Sounds like bullshit to me.

Yeah at 68K you don't typically see a motor "breaking down". With that amount of miles the motor is either fine or it fails catastophically. Not a slow deterioration, which sounds like what this joker is purporting. Of course this is usually the case. Exceptions can occur. I'd be very dubious that your engine needs to be replaced though. Extremely dubious.

Yeah at 68K you don't typically see a motor "breaking down". With that amount of miles the motor is either fine or it fails catastophically. Not a slow deterioration, which sounds like what this joker is purporting. Of course this is usually the case. Exceptions can occur. I'd be very dubious that your engine needs to be replaced though. Extremely dubious.


You do if it is a FORD.

Found On Roadside Dead

You do if it is a FORD.

Found On Roadside Dead
On my second Ford Explorer.

1st went 189,000 replaced the trans around 140,000 and it was running fine when sold.
2nd I still own and is at 210,780 and still has original trans and eng. no major problems. Both also have/ had allot of miles towing a boat and running on the beach.