Timing belt inspection (B16A)

**dorikin** · 04-03-2011 09:18 PM

Hey guys,

I had my valve cover off today replacing a head bolt so I decided to inspect the condition of the timing belt while I was at it. Previous owner of the motor mentioned it had done around 100,000kms and major service was carried out prior to that.

Following the service manual, it basically says to rotate the pulley and inspect the belt for cracks around the ribs and and watch out for oil soaking. After doing this, I was happy with the condition of the belt, it looked fresh and had no cracks or damage that I could see.

I didn't have any other belt to compare it with so I took a couple pics to get your opinions:

Does this timing belt look like it's been recently replaced?

And does anyone have a pic of a B16 timing belt that has done around 100,000kms?

**dougie_504** · 05-03-2011 03:42 AM

Dont have any pics of my last one but your's looks pretty good compared to what I have seen in the past.

**riruiz_88** · 05-03-2011 07:27 AM

also see if you can get a good look at the teeth/ribs of the belt where in touches the cam gear

**xclusive_eg8** · 05-03-2011 11:41 AM

Sucks when you dont have paper work to give you a proper answer. But bought my civic at 145xxx and still at 200000 the OEM Honda belt is fine. Who knows when it got changed. Honda is gOoooooooood

**dorikin** · 05-03-2011 01:47 PM

Originally Posted by dougie_504

Dont have any pics of my last one but your's looks pretty good compared to what I have seen in the past.

Thanks, it does appear to be in pretty good condition

Originally Posted by riruiz_88

also see if you can get a good look at the teeth/ribs of the belt where in touches the cam gear

Yeh that's exactly where I was paying most attention to (service manual says to inspect that area) and from what I can see all the teeth look like they're in new condition

Originally Posted by xclusive_eg8

Sucks when you dont have paper work to give you a proper answer. But bought my civic at 145xxx and still at 200000 the OEM Honda belt is fine. Who knows when it got changed. Honda is gOoooooooood

I've always had that worrying thought in the back of my mind so wanted to put it at ease by taking a look. It's easy enough to remove your valve cover/rocker cover so you should give it a go if you're unsure when your belt was last changed.

**riruiz_88** · 06-03-2011 07:01 AM

if you are that worried, change the timing belt for peace of mind.

**ECU-MAN** · 06-03-2011 09:48 PM

take a pic of the text on the Belt

**xclusive_eg8** · 07-03-2011 04:26 PM

can you work manufacture date from belt text??

**ECU-MAN** · 08-03-2011 08:21 AM

No

I use the writing on the belt to estimate the age of the belt. ( not KM traveled )

**dorikin** · 08-03-2011 08:29 AM

Unfortunately I've already put the cover back on but I'll definitely take a pic next time its off..

**anjin** · 12-03-2011 12:12 AM

You really need to look at the belt on a longer run. I stripped teeth off mine, and a closer inspection afterwards showed that the teeth were split on one side where they joined the belt. Previous casual inspection it looked ok. When you shaped the belt as if it was going over the two cams the splits were closed up and not obvious. But when you flexed the belt the cracks were very obvious. If you can't get access to the long runs, have a really close look for cracking - twist the belt up and flex it as much as possible to expose any damage. Looks good doesn't cut it.

That belt was about 15000 km's old, non honda, and had a very hard life with a lot of time above 6000rpm and wot. When it went, very valve was bent and I'll be replacing the valve guides as well. Better to be safe and replace the belt if there is any doubt.