Yes it's a timing belt engine. Dealer service cost of around $1000 is also a fairly good estimate.

 

Should be same as 2016 Pilot and many other Honda/Acura vehicles.
I can't understand why some pitch a fit about the Ridgeline having a timing belt and the related maintenance cost of that service. If they had a Accord or any other Honda/Acura that has a timing belt it would be about the same.
I had my 2000 Acura 3.2 TL Timing Belt replaced just like the 2007 Ridgeline.
But I have seen post on here and other forums that bash the Ridgeline for having a timing belt. I am sure other manufactures have maintenance related things on their trucks that the Ridgeline may not have done as often.

 

not having a fit... just a question and comment.

My previous accord and current Acura uses the K series 4cyl with the timing chain.

 

Some see it as a negative in that it will cost you $600-$1000 to replace every 105k miles. Others see it as a benefit of having a "like new" engine every 105k rather than dealing with a tired engine due to a stretched belt.

 

Is 105K the required change interval on the Gen 1 RL timing belt? Been a while since I owned a vehicle with a belt. Many manufacturers that once used belts, are switching over/or already moved to chains again (Toyota, Subaru, Hyundai, Suzuki, etc). My 1st Gen Tacoma had a chain and I experienced no issues putting 200K miles on it.

 

in 2005 the owners manual said 105k interval, in a later revision it's been referenced that it was changed to 105k or 7yr. There are several members on here who have exceeded the 105k, to as high as 160k FWIW, I decided that 10yr was my threshold for tolerance, mileage be damned, because at 126 months from date of manufacture I replaced it or almost exactly 10 years of ownership. It is an interference engine and if it fails your out an engine. As far as I'm concerned it will be the one and only timing belt i install so I'm good with it, if I drive it another 10 years (as I'm planning on, or another 80k miles) I'll then drive it til it breaks...

Living in the Desert Southwest, I do find that I idle the engine quite often and that's run time without miles...

 

WO WO WO.....You want to negotiate a discount on a service for buying a new truck that wont be due for 100k or 7 yrs down the road? Good luck with that.

 

Or is he deducting that from what he's willing to pay for the truck...

 

Haha that's like asking for a discount cause the tires will need replacing...

 

The service needs to be done by some shop some place. I'll ask for a 20% discount on the service. It guarantees the dealer a $800 repair some time down the road. Win, win. If the dealer doesn't agree I'll just have the belt replaced at another dealer... There are 1/2 dozen Honda dealers within 30min. Of my house.

 

LB,

Not sure where your located since your profile is incomplete, but some have gotten the Timing Belt done for as little as $600-$700...

Such as this deal here, Anderson Honda, Near Baltimore, MD

YMMV

 

I'm pro Honda and G2 RL, but...

I'm sorry, utter BS for a truck to have a belt. No other truck does...well one other (see below). Heck, few cars do anymore either. Big upside is the chain in my 2.4 Element.

At least the belt on the diesel Canyon/Colorado has a 150,000 interval and is there on the front of the engine where you can get to it without gobs of needed labor. This is a HUGE downside to the Ridgeline that only a Honda nutswinger would want to justify.

 

I'm sorry, utter BS for a truck to have a belt.

Have to agree with you. Just looking at the other 2016 trucks closest to the RL2:

Tacoma: Chain
Frontier: Chain
Colorado: Chain (except for the Diesel)
Silverado: Chain
F-150: Chain
Ram: Chain

It's like I can hear Aretha Franklin singing "Chain, chain, chain...."

 

According to this list, most Honda engines use timing belts. But some of the 4 cylinder engines use a timing chain. I note the Civic moved to a chain beginning in 2006.

2008 to 2014 Accord V6 3.5 – Belt
2008 to 2014 Odyssey pilot and Ridgeline V6 3.5 -Belt
2006 to 2007 Accord V6 3.0 – Belt
2006 to 2016 Civic – Chain
2005 Accord 3.0 – Belt
2003 to 2011 Element – Chain
2003 to 2016 CR-V – Chain
2003 to 2004 Accord 3.0 – Belt
2003 to 2016 Accord – 2.4 – Chain
2003 to 2004 Odyssey and Pilot V6 3.5 – Belt
2002 Civic 1.7 – Belt
2002 Accord 2.3 – Belt
2002 Accord 3.0 – Belt
2002 Passport 3.2 – Belt
2002 Odyssey 3.5 – Belt
2001 Civic 1.7 – Belt
2001 CRV 2.0 – Belt
2001 Prelude 2.2 – Belt
2001 2.3 Accord – Belt
2001 Passport 3.2 – Belt
2001 Odyssey 3.5 – Belt
1999 to 2000 Civic 1.6 – Belt
1999 to 2000 CRV 2.0 – Belt
1999 to 2000 Prelude 2.2 – Belt
1999 to 2000 Accord 2.3 – Belt
1999 to 2000 Passport 3.2 – Belt
1999 to 2000 Odyssey 3.5 – belt
1998 Civic 1.6 – Belt
1998 CRV 2.0 – Belt
1998 Prelude 2.2 – Belt
1998 Odyssey and accord 2.3 – Belt
1998 Accord 3.0 – Belt
1998 Passport 3.2 – Belt
1997 Civic 1.6 – Belt
1997 Del sol 1.6 – Belt
1997 CRV 2.0- Belt
1997 Accord 2.2 – Belt
1997 Odyssey 2.2 – Belt
1997 Prelude 2.2 – Belt
1997 Accord 2.7 – Belt
1997 passport 3.2 – Belt
1996 Civic 1.6 – Belt
1996 Del sol 1.6 – Belt
1996 Accord 2.2 – Belt
1996 Odyssey 2.2 – Belt
1996 Prelude 2.2 – Belt
1996 Prelude 2.3 – Belt
1996 passport 2.6 – Belt
1996 Accord 2.7 – Belt
1996 Passport 3.2 – Belt

Honda Timing Belt and Timing Chain List - Your Car Angel - Your Car Angel

 

you would think that since ALL Honda engines are interference engines they would use a chain, since ALL Belts must be changed at about 100K and chains last the life of vehicle. I know, belts are lighter...

A belt will need to be changed at regular intervals (usually at 90-120k miles) whereas a chain is generally good for the life of the engine and does not require maintenance. As a side note ALL Honda engines are interference engines. There are no Honda engines that are non-interference. - See more at: Honda Timing Belt and Timing Chain List - Your Car Angel - Your Car Angel

 

$1,100 every 7 years or 105,000 miles

basically is $157/year or $0.01 per mile. Doesn't seem outrages to me.
Newer vehicles go longer between intervals. I use to remember when I had to change plugs and points every 12k.

When a person can, they should set aside a small amount each month into savings to cover planned maintenance down the road.

If the reliability is there, I don't care if its a chain or belt.

 

Timing chains systems do not last the life of a vehicle.The chain itself might but Multiple manufactures have guide/tensioner failures. Not as common as t-belt but a lot more damage usually when they go.

I believe main reason for t-belts is the less rotating mass. Especially for smaller displacement motors

 

I believe main reason for t-belts is the less rotating mass. Especially for smaller displacement motors

and reduced friction/resistance increasing efficiency.


For myself we'd likely never even be close to owning this Ridgeline until it needs a belt replacement. We just don't keep cars that long in general.

 

What I would like to see is a timing belt on a non interference engine. But then Honda dealers would lose a lot of money on maintenance items.

 

My wife's 1971 Pinto and 1989 turbo Sunbird had belts on their non-interference engines. They were still no picnics. The Sunbird was a particular biotch to change.

The Honda V6 in a full size engine compartment is not bad. Most Honda maintenance is well thought out.

 

Not 'having a fit' nor 'bashing timing belts' but I am curious .....

Does anyone know if the G2 RL engine uses a belt of the type that runs in an oil-bath or is it the 'traditional' type that runs dry?

Example: Timing Belt-In-Oil (BIO) System (Ford uses the 'Timing Belt-In-Oil' system on some of their engines).

(long experience with both 'belts' and 'chains' on cars and bikes and the pros-and-cons of both .... no baggage, I just like to know what I'm getting before I buy)

Thanks in advance !

 

Honda is a dry system. Most belts are dry type. I don't think there are many oil based ones.

Steve

 

Thanks for the Honda info, Steve.

Nope, not many using BIO systems yet, but perhaps the use will grow as engine redesigns take place, just wondered if Honda had made that advance yet .... lots of info available via google .... the technology seems to offer some additional 'pros' for the belt vs chain option, primarily in the areas of increased design-life and even more reduced parasitic drag.

While the former may not incite manufacturers to change (though that's the real consumer benefit IMHO), the latter may as they seek to find every tiny increment of help with CAFE-type goals.

:wink:

 

Ibjgh, you might consider this. When I went to change mine in 2013 @ 105K, thru networking, I found a Honda/Acura certified mechanic (his day job is with Honda) moonlighting at his home. He has a hell of a backyard facility (see pics). I bought a timing belt kit thru Amazon for $290 (now selling for $255-with water pump for G1), handed it to him (he was impressed that I brought him everything he needed) and he only charged $350 labor.

I think when you do the math you'll get the picture; I know I did real fast. The other cool thing is these moonlighting mechanics -- if they have any class at all -- will schedule you in around the diner hour. I sh_t you not, at 8:20 he called and said it was ready. Tell me one stealership out there that works that efficiently?

 

I,d just be careful what you post about any moonlight job you get done by a Honda tech thats still working, it could cost your friend his job.:surprise:

 

Good for you, but most dont have that option. Whats your warranty a case of beer.

 

He's never failed me yet; I'm at 162K and gong strong. Tomorrow, he's adjusting my valves. He sends me videos of the status as he's doing it.

I'm just saying there are good moonlighting mechanics out there worth looking into. Why on earth would you consider a $1000 timing belt change when you can get it done for $350 less? It's a no brainer to me.

Maybe I am lucky. And, yes, I was taken aback by his facility when I drove down his driveway. But at the same time I know he doesn't have the corner on that market.

 

I always giggle when I hear people complaining about their $1000 timing belt change. My Lexus Sc300 timing belt with associated bits, like water pump and so on... was $2500 at an independent shop because I sure as heck was not going to venture into that thing knowing what a PITA job it is on that car. No kidding, first step to changing the rear speaker in the SC was to remove driver and passenger seatbelt bolts. Dealership wanted near 4k for the job! Meanwhile, we changed the timing belt of a 1997 crv in a parking lot, because it was not made like a jigsaw puzzle with every seam and connector tucked away and darn near invisible... LOL

 

I have been a career mechanic for most of my life and when looking at the factory manual procedure on replacing the timing belt, it gave me a headache.
As with everything else, it might not be too difficult after you have done the first one...

 

Roger that, 100%.

 

You tube again.

Steve

 

It's the tightness of space that's the biggest problem.
I'm sure it's lost Honda a few sales v say the Highlander. Honda used a TC on its 2.4 and I wish it did the same on the J35.
Not all TC work out well. Just look at Chevy and it's 3.6v6. What a mess there.

 

There must be very little valve recession because after 160k miles you would think there wouldn't be any clearance left...

 

This appears to vary considerable on J35 engines. For instance:
https://honda-tech.com/forums/odyss...0/check-your-valve-clearances-50k-miles-less-not-105k-honda-recommends-2726472/

 

I was with most of you on belts vs chains and considered it a plus that by 2010 jetta Wolfburg had a timing belt. Until the tensioner failed at 110k km and that's when I learned about a flashing (vs lit)check engine light - ie this is super serious pull over immediately. This was a known issue with 2.0t engines. Of course out of warranty. However the dealer rebuilt the engine and gave me a loaner car for a week. Charge at the end of the week was an oil change they did 1000 km early (on a 16k km interval). I brought them Tim Hortons.

We also had a 2004 TDI golf that we changed the timing belt on 3 times before selling it at 525k km. That and brakes were its major "repair" costs. And 1 clutch.

Nevertheless, in my tiny real world experience both timing belts and chains can have issues, so I'm ambivalent on the issue.

 

Speedlever, I was reading that as you replied. I wish I had them adjusted sooner, at least around 105K with timing belt change. Regardless of the verdict on clearances, I'll be doing this more often. Better safe than sorry. I had, as I've mentioned on another thread, 2 stalls while moving 2 weeks apart ... but apparently that was nailed down to mainly a faulty battery, but who knows if out-of-adjustment valves was a contributing factor.

 

No such thing as hiding anymore, just sayin. On the other note I had my valves done at the same time as the TB, along with head cover gasket, plugs, water pump, drive belts, belt compressor, coolant. It kind of all goes hand in hand as long as there in there and its all apart I thought why not getter done. Around 1,100 with a 200 dollar coupon. I got ripped but ......................Carry on.

 

The wiser move for sure.