Ray Magliozzi
Dear Car Talk:
We recently had my parents’ 2013 Honda Odyssey minivan in the shop for a state inspection.
It passed with flying colors but the shop recommended that my mom replace the timing belt and water pump because the car has close to 90,000 miles on it and it’s 11 years old. The van is wheelchair accessible for my 92-year-old dad but we only drive it for short (5-10 miles) trips once or twice a week.
The shop said if the timing belt breaks, it will ruin the engine. Replacement of the belt and pump is $1,300. My husband says we should take our chances and save Mom’s money.
What say you, Mighty Motor Guru? BTW, I know nothing about cars but really enjoy reading your column. — Mimi
Thanks, Mimi. I know nothing about cars, either, but I enjoy writing it.
Your mechanic is correct here. You might save Mom $1,300 now, but it might end up costing her $8,000 if the belt breaks and it ruins the engine. And that’s exactly what would happen. So even the most basic cost/benefit analysis will come down on the side of doing this particular repair.
Now, is it possible the timing belt will be fine for the next 25,000 miles? Yeah, it’s possible. But the recommended replacement interval, I believe, is every 105,000 miles or every seven years. And you’re near one of those and well past the other. So, you’re taking a risk.
This Odyssey uses a common design called an “interference engine.” It’s a very fuel-efficient design, but it gains efficiency by allowing the open valves and the piston to share space in the cylinder. And it all works perfectly, as long they’re not trying to share the same space at the same time.
What controls that? The timing belt. So, if the timing belt breaks or jumps, the piston will come up to top dead center and collide with whichever valves are open at that moment. And that’s goodbye engine.
To change the timing belt, you have to remove everything that’s blocking your access to the water pump. That’s a lot of stuff. And since you’re already paying the labor cost to have the water pump exposed, it’s silly not to replace it at the same time. Especially since it’s also got 90,000 miles on it.
If the van is otherwise in good shape, I’d tell Mom to bite the bullet and do the repair. If she just goes by mileage, driving 20 miles a week, she won’t be due to change the timing belt again until the year 2125. So, tell her I recommend she do the repair now and then plan to trade it in in 2124.
Got a question about cars? Write to Ray in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email by visiting the Car Talk website at www.cartalk.com.
