If you know anything about cars (Hondas!) I need your help!!

[cpayne5]

Originally Posted by mredskins

Are you getting a lot of blue smoke (oil leak) or white smoke (coolant leak)?

To me it sounds like your timing belt needs to be adjusted. Typical you do this at 100k but considering the age of your car you may need it now. Unless you have completely abused the car, like no oil changes, that Honda engine is just warming up at 68k.

I would take it to either the Car Doctor or a Honda dealer. Actually go to the Honda Dealer first get a diagnostic then have a reliable shopr (Car Doctor) do the work.

If a timing belt needs to be adjusted, it's too late, damage has occurred.

Honda used to recommend timing belt changes at 90k miles, but have since switched to 110k mile intervals. I don't know where a 2002 falls, but either way, it should be fine as its only 7 years old at the oldest.

Valve lash frequently needs to be adjusted, though. This is an easy job just requiring the removal of the valve cover and a few minutes with a feeler gauge. A timing belt replacement is more involved. Probably about 4 hours of labor on that car. You should get the tensioner, water pump, and any and all seals that live behind the cam cover replaced while the work is being done. A timing belt replacement will probably be atleast $500 on the car being discussed.