Why two OEM timing belt part numbers and aftermarket uses one?

[aslatk]

I've noticed that Honda has two different part numbers for the timing belts (one for each side) and aftermarket has one number for both belts. Anyone know why? :headscratch: I'm thinking that one belt may be slightly shorter then the other but if so, why? Don't know the history on my bike except it has only 30,000 miles but has been around for 30 years. Better do the belts. Started that job today and got to the point where I could check out the belts (2 part numbers). I'm now thinking they are original because of the numbers being different. The belts looked okay but the belt on the left side was quite slack at the bottom but the tensioner side was good. The belt tension on the right side seemed like it should be. By the way, ordered two Gates belts (T274) from Amazon. $14+ each including Free Shipping and no tax :good: . I did take out the radiator (a pain) but in the long run it will sure help with the rest of the job ahead (next weekend). Should have the radio system by then to install too. Thanks for your input.
:thanks:

 

[toytender01]

NOW THAT IS ONE ANGRY LOOKING CAT I DON'T THINK I WOULD TRY TO HELP IT OUT OF THAT POOL IT MIGHT THINK I WAS THE ONE WHO THREW IT IN AND SHREAD ME :heat: :heat:

 

[aslatk]

NOW THAT IS ONE ANGRY LOOKING CAT I DON'T THINK I WOULD TRY TO HELP IT OUT OF THAT POOL IT MIGHT THINK I WAS THE ONE WHO THREW IT IN AND SHREAD ME :heat: :heat:

One of my favorite pictures. Never have seen such a great expression. Could a cat look any more angry? I really don't think the picture has been "Photo Shopped" either. Those timing belts wasn't that much fun either but I didn't look quite that irritated.
:fiddle:

 

[Joep]

Yeah pulling the radiator is a good Idea.. gives you more hand room to feel around and work around in.. now looking at the gears from the front.. you need to verify your true timing marks.. mine had a indiscreet mark for the timing mark and another one that was more evident.. to be sure of your marks the timing mark is on or near the top of the gear tooth any others will put you out of time and lock on the valves when turned.. I spent 1 1/2 hours trying to resolve the lock when I found out what was wrong.. also turn the motor by hand,, very important.. if it hits a valve by hand you can back it up if you spin with starter it will bend the valve or valves... and when you get the belts and all clear and turns by hand.. adjust the valve at this point... they may need it anyway and just a few more minutes 'taken in the process

 

[dan filipi]

Cheapcycleparts.com parts fiche shows the same part number.
I've never heard of requiring anything different.

 

[joedrum]

be careful.....and be careful again .....and then be sure its right..... :ahem: :mrgreen:

 

[dan filipi]

be careful.....and be careful again .....and then be sure its right..... :ahem: :mrgreen:

YES!

I think the single most important step not mentioned by most is to back off the valve adjusters.
This gives you that extra room just in case the timing is off when rotating the engine.

 

[slabghost]

Timing belts were new technology back in the 70s. I can only guess. It may have been that the belts then were directional or slightly wider on one side than the other. The new belts are much stronger and more reliable.

 

[dan filipi]

Timing belts were new technology back in the 70s. I can only guess. It may have been that the belts then were directional or slightly wider on one side than the other. The new belts are much stronger and more reliable.

And that's the main reason I would not buy New Old Stock (NOS) from Honda.

 

[aslatk]

Cheapcycleparts.com parts fiche shows the same part number.
I've never heard of requiring anything different.

No wonder I haven't seen anything elsewhere on this subject (different part numbers). After seeing your parts diagram, I looked at two exploded views of the same thing from different sources and the numbers also matched. I guess I should go in for my eye exam early :doh: . I also looked again at the timing belts and they have at least 3 different numbers with at least one that matches. Before one set of numbers is "H & L". Likely the manufacturer, so maybe they have been replaced before.
Thanks for the information. Got to get ready for work now.

 

[dan filipi]

Maybe they are 2 different age belts or from a different supplier that branded them with close numbers?
Who knows. With everyone trying to make a buck anything is possible.

 

[aslatk]

Maybe they are 2 different age belts or from a different supplier that branded them with close numbers?
Who knows. With everyone trying to make a buck anything is possible.

Oh no :shock: . Just took a look at the Gattes belts I got a good deal on. It is spelled Gattes isn't it? Just kidding. Consensus is Gates is a preferred brand. At least as good as any I suspect.

 

[Tory]

Yes,GATES is a good brand.

The only way the stock belts could be two differant lengths is if they have two differant amout of cogs.The cogs must be the same size becuase we know the right and left cam gears are the same.so for one belt to be shorter it must have less cogs.
I realize you have decided they are the same,but if you still are not sure,count the cogs.

 

[aslatk]

be careful.....and be careful again .....and then be sure its right..... :ahem: :mrgreen:

You got that right. If I would have paid more attention to the listed part numbers :read: (reason for this topic), I wouldn't have scratched my head so much :Awe: . I sure can't afford mistakes on the timing belts installation. I'll back off the valves, replace the belts, check and triple check everything and then after adjusting valves, slowly turn the engine by hand just to be sure there's no interference :beg: .

 

[aslatk]

Yes,GATES is a good brand.

The only way the stock belts could be two differant lengths is if they have two differant amout of cogs.The cogs must be the same size becuase we know the right and left cam gears are the same.so for one belt to be shorter it must have less cogs.
I realize you have decided they are the same,but if you still are not sure,count the cogs.

I'll probably miss-count the cogs :doh:

 

[aslatk]

Yeah pulling the radiator is a good Idea.. gives you more hand room to feel around and work around in.. now looking at the gears from the front.. you need to verify your true timing marks.. mine had a indiscreet mark for the timing mark and another one that was more evident.. to be sure of your marks the timing mark is on or near the top of the gear tooth any others will put you out of time and lock on the valves when turned.. I spent 1 1/2 hours trying to resolve the lock when I found out what was wrong.. also turn the motor by hand,, very important.. if it hits a valve by hand you can back it up if you spin with starter it will bend the valve or valves... and when you get the belts and all clear and turns by hand.. adjust the valve at this point... they may need it anyway and just a few more minutes 'taken in the process

I'm going to back off the valves first (want to adjust anyway) but will crank over by hand after belt replacement and valve adjust. Good idea :good: