Timing Belt change question


Technical information and Q&A applicable to all years and models of Goldwings
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Johnf1059
Posts: 69
Joined: Sun Aug 30, 2015 9:38 am
Location: Junction city, Ohio USA
Motorcycle: 1994 Honda Goldwing GL1500 Interstate

Timing Belt change question

Post by Johnf1059 »



I've read older posts on changing the timing belts. Some recommend changing the tensioner regardless of their condition. I'll definitely get a manual before I attempt this. i haven't read any posts talking about using any special tools. Do I need anything that a back yard mechanic wouldn't already have? And anything other than timing I need to watch for or pay close attention to? Thanks


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702scottc
Posts: 361
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Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Motorcycle: 1980 GL1100 Interstate (sold)
1990 GL1500 Aspencade (sold)
2005 GL1800

Re: Timing Belt change question

Post by 702scottc »

No special tools needed for the 1500. Use the how to section on the 1500 on this website, easy job on these bikes. As far as the tensioners, if money isn't an issue I would say change them. If you get the belts off and the bearings feel good in them you would probably be ok just reusing them. Really a judgement call. Don't replace them with used ones from the Internet, Cyclemax sells them for $70 each new. You won't find them at a better price anywhere . You can cross the oem belt numbers over to a gates and get them at a Napa parts store or any major parts house for much less than they sell them on the Internet.
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Johnf1059
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Location: Junction city, Ohio USA
Motorcycle: 1994 Honda Goldwing GL1500 Interstate

Re: Timing Belt change question

Post by Johnf1059 »

Thanks for the reply 207Scottc. I'll probably wait till the off season. Anything else to consider doing while its apart? Any other suggestions? Thanks again!
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n5926g
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Motorcycle: 1990 Honda Goldwing Aspencade

Re: Timing Belt change question

Post by n5926g »

I suggest taking pictures as you dismantle at every step.I replaced my belts,and got that heat hose routed wrong,wasn,t paying attention,and broke my lower front cowling trying to screw it down...Pics are always a good thing...:-)
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Johnf1059
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Joined: Sun Aug 30, 2015 9:38 am
Location: Junction city, Ohio USA
Motorcycle: 1994 Honda Goldwing GL1500 Interstate

Re: Timing Belt change question

Post by Johnf1059 »

I'll do that. Learned my lesson on that many times at work rebuilding various machines. Thanks!
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Phunnybone
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Motorcycle: 2002 GL1800
1998 GL1500 SE
1985 GL1200 LTD (undergoing re-assembly)
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Re: Timing Belt change question

Post by Phunnybone »

On the right side (seated) gear will give a little kick when you release the belt. Don't let it scare you. You can screw a couple of lag bolts into a 2 x 4 to hold it in place. I think I've also used an extra long screwdriver to keep it from doing it too. Since you have to remove the radiator, you might as well replace the radiator fluid (with a coolant that is compatible with aluminum engines).
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Johnf1059
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Joined: Sun Aug 30, 2015 9:38 am
Location: Junction city, Ohio USA
Motorcycle: 1994 Honda Goldwing GL1500 Interstate

Re: Timing Belt change question

Post by Johnf1059 »

Thanks for the tip phunnybone! I'll remember that!


Anything goes when everything's gone!
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