Help me do timing on K20a3 for $$$
 

All right, given that my previous thread on where to get timing job done has yet to be answered, let's try something different:

You've got a nice garage at home? You have experience changing timing chains and adjusting valve lash on a K-series engine? You live in the lower mainland? Great. I'll pay you if you help me out carrying this out on my car.

Shoot me a little message if you're interested.

Have you taken the car to any other mechanics?

I don't see how a timing chain replacement will cost $2K.

Where are you located?

I haven't taken it other places than Carter Honda. That's what they quoted me including parts. I'm in Vancouver.

The K motor is pretty easy to work on.
Any competent mechanic should be able to do the timing chain replacement for you.

But are you sure the timing chain needs to be replaced?
What makes Carter think it is a timing chain issue?

I had the car in there for a valve lash adjustment because the engine was VERY ticky, as in it sounds like a sewing machine when I press the gas (under load only, nothing when kiting , or when engine is slowing down on compression). They did that, then the manager told me it was still ticky because my chain is a little stretched, and would have to be replaced eventually.

That sound is driving me a little crazy. Sometimes, usually when engine is cold, the sound isn't there, and the car seems to pull a little stronger. It could be something else, but my - albeit uneducated - guess is that it's probably a tensioner failure, given how weak they seem to be.

Give Garagefive a call!

Just did. They're quoting about half as much as dealership. Looks like we've found a winner!

Thanks a lot for your replies.:fullofwin:

Could be as simple as a stretch drive belt or pulley.. don't put your money on the chain just yet.

Call Aria Auto. the Owner has a crazy Turbo RSX Type S with a mild engine build.
changing the chain should be a walk in the park for him. He has been working on RSXs since 2004

how much mileage does your ep3 have? k20a3 engines are also pretty cheap on the used market since they are pretty undesirable, which could be an option if it gets too expensive.

i owned my ep3 since new, and dont really run into these problems.

195 000 kms. Doesn't seem to burn any oil at all though, which is nice.