civic driver

I just bought this car a couple of weeks ago (01 civic 99,700miles.) Real happy with it so far! I am going to change the timing belt tomorrow. Any tips before I start? I bought the tool to hold the crank hub, water pump, and a couple of o-rings for a tube in that area. Any tips or things to watch out for are appreciated...Honda wanted $675 for this job OUCH! talk about screwing the consumer..I guess they need to soak you for all you got, when ever you happen to come in for rare maintenance....

Nighthawk7thGen

usually from what I hear at the dealership I work for is that timing belts may be a bit of a challenge...hense the $675 charge that comes with professional installation.

I haven't attempted one on a 7thgen Civic before but we've had 2 done at my dealership so far and they've both been sent out to be done by a more experienced mechanic...

as far as the DIY...im sure with alot of concentration and attention to detail....as well as ample time....it can be done. I wish you luck with that. And also you may want to consider installing a new water pump very soon too...as that is usually done the same time the timing belt is replaced.

JimmyM86

I really didn't think it was that hard...

I used this write-up to assist me - http://www.civicforums.com/for....html

Just give yourself plenty of time and do not rush. The hardest thing for me was breaking the crank pulley bolt. But just let it soak in PB blaster and use the proper leverage, and it'll break off just fine.

The only tip I could recommend is make absolute certain your engine is at TDC prior to removing the belt and after your new belt is installed. Turn the motor over by hand many many times, to make sure you are still at TDC after your new belt is installed, so you don't have to take everything back apart.

Read the DIY link above a few times, take your time, have confidence, and enjoy fixin her up!

andyman97

No real tips, just take your time. 675? That job takes me all of an hour, maybe.... You don't have to do anything but pull the timing set apart. The head doesn't come off, the intake and exhaust manifolds don't come off.

But you do have to remove the PS pump and alternator. But seriously, that doesn't take five minutes to remove them both.

The only thing that's a minor pain are the bolts for the driver side mount, because you have to remove it from the block, but even that isn't too bad.

burke420

sounds about right .... but having the proper leverage is a key benefactor! more like 5 ft or so!

civic driver

OH MY GOD, that was the worse f^%$@ing job in my life!! It sucked from start to finish. Also, whats up with the funky timing belt tensioner?? Makes no sense to me. The belt was real hard to get on and off! Time for beer now. GOOD GOD...

oddmut

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by civic driver &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">OH MY GOD, that was the worse f^%$@ing job in my life!! It sucked from start to finish. Also, whats up with the funky timing belt tensioner?? Makes no sense to me. The belt was real hard to get on and off! Time for beer now. GOOD GOD... </TD></TR></TABLE>

i'm guessing you had fun DIYing it yourself?

JimmyM86

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by civic driver &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">OH MY GOD, that was the worse f^%$@ing job in my life!! It sucked from start to finish. Also, whats up with the funky timing belt tensioner?? Makes no sense to me. The belt was real hard to get on and off! Time for beer now. GOOD GOD... </TD></TR></TABLE>


Try throwing an extra cam on there and those jobs can make for a fun time!

Did it start up and run ok after you were done? If so congrats b/c alot of guys weeny out halfway through it or mess something up!

I bet you are looking forward to 60K miles down the road!

batac_boy

is it true when you change your T-Belt you should change your engine mount too? (t-belt side only)...

JimmyM86

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by batac_boy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">is it true when you change your T-Belt you should change your engine mount too? (t-belt side only)... </TD></TR></TABLE>

If it needs it, then now would be the time since it is already off. But typically it is not something that is replaced when you do a timing belt job.

civic driver

that link you had was Great! Too bad I read it after the job I should have checked back on my post while I was working. The pictures would have helped alot. thanks for the link.