Hello, I hope some of you are still awake. After much delay I have decided to change the timing belt on the family car. Just a stock 1.6 4 door civic vip. The car's at 107,000 miles. Not a problem to date, buta cracked exhaust manifold.
I have the 3 drive belts, timing belt, and water pump. These are the napa specials. After reading through many old posts, I found OEM is best. The OEM timing belt has a Honda logo, but also has a Gates logo on it. The new belt I have is a Gates belt. Is it junk? The car is all apart now. The engine does not leak a drop of oil, but around the crankshaft seal there is a little residue. ShouldI replace this sucker now, so I don't have problems down the road? What else should I look for? The idler pulley spins nice and free, now bearing noise. Should I replace the lower timing cover, and valve cover gaskets? Sorry to ramble on, any and all help is appreciated, THANKS, Jason.

 

suggest changing water pump, crank seal, cam seal, idler pully, while you have the timing cover off, and use all honda parts. just gives you a peace of mind.