"Erik" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

I recently bought a used 08 Honda 'Fit' McCar, and had the dealer toss
in a set of factory shop manuals as part of the deal.

Later, looking through the manuals, I was very surprised to learn the
'Fit' doesn't use a timing belt, but instead a for real old fashion
timing chain.

Then a little while ago, I saw a post in one of the Honda groups where
someone was trying to confirm if what he'd heard about the Civics going
back to chains was true!

Even though belts have to be replaced now and again, they keep the valve
timing tack on till they're replaced (or fail), are cheap to
manufacture, and eliminate 'internally lubricated components' from
warranty coverage.

Anyone have any ideas what might be going on with Honda? Advantages?
Disadvantages? Is this going to be a new trend with Honda and/or other
manufactures?

Seems strange...

Erik

I think it is more likely because people are ****ed about timing belts.
They have been around long enough that a big group of people have found out
that a $39 tune up is required at a 100,000 miles, but a $600+ timing belt
is required at 60,000 miles. And when the belt brakes, it causes major
inconvenience. I do not think anybody makes an interference fit motor
anymore, as they had to warrantee replace a bunch of motors. People find
out a motor requires a $700 fix at 60k miles, they go to the competitors
car.