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Something tells me that if the belt is that expensive, and the cost of installing it is that high, it's an extremely complicated process - and is probably a dual cam engine.
If the OP is an amateur, he/she will NOT be able to replace the belt. Not only will the skills be lacking, but so too will the tools. There is no room for play when it comes to replacing timing belts.
I'd hate to be the guy who started a job like that, but was not able to finish it. Add $100 for towing onto what would already be a costly job.
But he said the mechanic wants to charge $225 dolars for the belt and he can get it retail and he can get it for $60 retial. That's is a hge markup if the mechanic gets it wholesale probably 300%. Then he wants 60 a hour to install it. In other words he is probaly making as much on the belt has the installation.A dealer has much higher overhead and uses facotry belts that are higher and only is going to charge $20.00 more.I can see his point.
"Never put my vehicle in the hands of a mechanic"...wonder if the same person feels the same about a surgeon when needing an operation...let me see now...where is that darn scalpel. Steve
Medical surgeon = mechanic... I think your stretching a bit.
My timing belt went on my '97 Honda Civic last week. The belt snaped about 6000 miles before it was due. Believe it or not, the owners manual actually states it should be changed once every 90K miles. Before my timing belt snaped, it ran almost as well as it did when it was new, even at 257K miles. An "interference" type of engine is not worth gambling on--it is not worth ruining valves; I wish I just changed the belt earlier, it would have been worth it to avoid such aggravation. After my mechanic replaced the belt (and water pump) it ran rough...as it still does (it seems to be getting a bit better though, but not sure why? My mechanic was surprised my engine was still running at all. He told me he just had a customer with a Hyundai that was not as lucky, his engine did "crash".
But he said the mechanic wants to charge $225 dolars for the belt and he can get it retail and he can get it for $60 retial. That's is a hge markup if the mechanic gets it wholesale probably 300%. Then he wants 60 a hour to install it. In other words he is probaly making as much on the belt has the installation.A dealer has much higher overhead and uses facotry belts that are higher and only is going to charge $20.00 more.I can see his point.
You're right. It might be a good idea to look for a different mechanic.
My timing belt went on my '97 Honda Civic last week. The belt snaped about 6000 miles before it was due. Believe it or not, the owners manual actually states it should be changed once every 90K miles. Before my timing belt snaped, it ran almost as well as it did when it was new, even at 257K miles. An "interference" type of engine is not worth gambling on--it is not worth ruining valves; I wish I just changed the belt earlier, it would have been worth it to avoid such aggravation. After my mechanic replaced the belt (and water pump) it ran rough...as it still does (it seems to be getting a bit better though, but not sure why? My mechanic was surprised my engine was still running at all. He told me he just had a customer with a Hyundai that was not as lucky, his engine did "crash".
That stinks - sorry to hear that.
I think the replacement interval is 6 years (not sure on the years) or 90K miles - whichever comes FIRST.
Frustrating may be okay when a person is working on his own car...NEVER when working on a paying customers vehicle. They are NOT paying for Frustration work. Frustration means some difficulty due to lack of experience and knowledge. A surgeon knows where to point a scalpel and how deep to make an incision. A experienced mechanic has the proper tools needed for a job as many cars have specialty tools. My Snap On roll away is full of these tools I kept after retiring from the trade. Many foreign makes need odd shaped wrenches/sockets etc. I have 5 different sets of swivel sockets for different needs. Steve
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