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Acura Cl Engine Timing Belts

Acura Cl Engine timing belts

Starting at $2.95, AutoBuffy stocks 12 engine timing belts from Gates, Cloyes, and Dayco to fit the Acura Cl. The timing belt synchronizes the crankshaft and camshaft so valves open and close at exactly the right moment. If it snaps or skips a tooth, the engine can suffer catastrophic internal damage — often bending valves or destroying pistons with no warning.

Signs your Acura Cl needs a new timing belt

  • Ticking or slapping noise from the front of the engine, especially on cold starts, indicating belt or tensioner wear
  • Engine misfires or rough idle caused by the camshaft timing slipping even a few degrees off spec
  • Visible cracking, fraying, or glazing on the belt surface when inspected through the timing cover
  • Oil leaking from the front of the engine near the timing cover, which can saturate and degrade the belt material
  • Engine turns over but refuses to start — a classic sign the belt has already broken or jumped teeth
  • Check Engine light with camshaft or crankshaft position sensor codes, often triggered by timing that is out of range

Which timing belt should you buy for your Acura Cl?

The most important decision is whether to buy a bare belt or a complete timing belt kit that includes the tensioner, idler pulleys, and sometimes the water pump. Because labor to access the timing belt is substantial, replacing all drive components at the same time is almost always the smarter value. Match the kit to your mileage and how long you plan to keep the vehicle.

OE-Replacement Belt Only
Best for
Recent belt service where hardware was already replaced
What you get
A direct-fit rubber timing belt matched to factory tooth count and width — no additional components
Timing Belt + Tensioner Kit
Best for
Owners on a moderate budget who know their pulleys are still serviceable
What you get
New belt plus spring-loaded or hydraulic tensioner to maintain correct belt tension over time
Complete Timing Belt Kit (belt, tensioner, idlers, seals)
Best for
Most owners doing a scheduled interval replacement
What you get
All rotating components and front seals in one box — eliminates the risk of a new belt failing due to an old pulley bearing
Timing Belt + Water Pump Kit
Best for
High-mileage vehicles or any engine where the water pump is driven by the timing belt
What you get
Everything in the complete kit plus a new water pump — avoids a second round of labor if the pump fails soon after

Engine timing belts brands we stock for your Acura Cl

Gates
6 options · from $22.95
Cloyes
2 options · from $11.95
Dayco
2 options · from $17.95
SKP
1 option · from $2.95
ACDelco
1 option · from $27.95

Replacing the timing belt on a Acura Cl

Advanced⏱ 3–6 hoursSocket and ratchet set with both metric and standard sizesCamshaft and crankshaft locking/alignment tools specific to the Acura engineHarmonic balancer puller (if required to remove the crankshaft pulley)Torque wrenchDrain pan and coolant if replacing the water pump simultaneously

Replacing the timing belt on a Acura Cl requires removing the engine covers, accessory belts, and often the crankshaft pulley to expose the timing components. All timing marks on the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets must be precisely aligned before the new belt is installed and tensioned — even one tooth off can cause misfires or engine damage. Always refer to a factory service manual for the Cl and verify timing mark alignment before rotating the engine by hand after installation.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace timing belts on a Acura Cl?
Parts alone start at $2.95 on AutoBuffy for the Acura Cl. A complete kit with tensioner, idlers, and water pump will cost more but saves on future labor. Shop labor typically adds several hours of work time on top of parts cost, making a full kit the most economical approach when the engine is already apart.
How often should the timing belt be replaced on a Acura Cl?
Most manufacturers recommend timing belt replacement every 60,000 to 105,000 miles or every 7 to 10 years, whichever comes first. Age matters as much as mileage because rubber degrades from heat cycling and oil exposure even on low-mileage vehicles. Always follow the interval listed in your Acura Cl owner's manual rather than a generic rule.
What happens if the timing belt breaks on a Acura Cl?
If the timing belt breaks while the engine is running, the crankshaft continues turning while the camshaft stops. On interference engines — which describes most modern designs — this causes pistons to collide with open valves, bending or breaking them instantly. The result is typically a partial or complete engine rebuild, making preventive replacement far less expensive than the alternative.
How do I know if my Acura Cl has an interference or non-interference engine?
Check your Acura Cl owner's manual or a factory service guide — it will specify the engine type. As a general rule, most modern four-cylinder and diesel engines are interference designs. On a non-interference engine a broken belt causes a no-start but no internal damage. On an interference engine, belt failure usually means immediate and expensive valve or piston damage.
Should I replace the water pump when doing a timing belt on a Acura Cl?
Yes, if the water pump on your Acura Cl is driven by the timing belt, replace it at the same service. The water pump is hidden behind the same covers and requires most of the same disassembly. Replacing it proactively costs a modest amount in parts but saves the full labor charge again if the pump fails shortly after the belt job.
Can I replace the timing belt on a Acura Cl myself?
It is possible for an experienced DIYer, but the job requires careful attention to timing marks and is rated Advanced difficulty. Mistakes in alignment can cause immediate engine damage on first start. If you are comfortable reading a factory service manual, working with cam and crank positioning tools, and verifying timing marks precisely, a home replacement on the Acura Cl is achievable with the right kit.

Shop engine timing belts by year for the Acura Cl

200320022001199919981997

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Engine timing belts for other Acura models

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