hondaowner

Guys,

Please do share your experiences on changing the Timing Belt on Honda civic 97 LX. I am planning on DIY task.

How complex is this job ?

Based on your experiences i might decide whether to do it myself or go to a shop.
My car has 100k miles on it now.

My questions are :

1. What special tools are needed ?
2. How long does it take ?
3. Any good resources that might be helpful. I have hynes manual and it dosen't seem all that good.
4. Is the Water pump necessary to change.
5. Dealer wants $595 for the timing belt change includes water pump cost as well. I think i can do it.

All experiences are appreciated.

HondaOwner.

Tenshi

1. What special tools are needed ?
you'll probably want a good chain wrench or strap wrench to take of the crankshaft pulley. Other than that, just a good set of sockets.
2. How long does it take ?
You can probably do it over a couple of hours.
3. Any good resources that might be helpful. I have hynes manual and it dosen't seem all that good.
It's not really that complicated. either haynes or chilton's manual should be sufficient.
4. Is the Water pump necessary to change.
It isn't necessary, but it's a good idea to do so. You might as well do it while you have the car jacked up.
5. Dealer wants $595 for the timing belt change includes water pump cost as well. I think i can do it.
Not really a quesiton, personally, I wouldn't pay that much.

WildPig

Another note: if you have access to an impact wrench, that makes the crank pulley job like 100 times easier.

I wouldn't pay 600 for that either, if you decide not to do it then take it to another garage, it should be about half that.

Evs-One

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by WildPig &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Another note: if you have access to an impact wrench, that makes the crank pulley job like 100 times easier.

I wouldn't pay 600 for that either, if you decide not to do it then take it to another garage, it should be about half that.</TD></TR></TABLE>

300 bucks for timing belt, water pump, valve cover gasket, cam seal, Honda coolant, AND installation with all Honda Genuine parts!??? ha, nice try. The parts alone cost about 150-200, depending on the deal.

Do not use a strap wrench or a chain, use the correct tools....either a crank pulley tool, or stop the flywheel with a pry bar.

hondaowner

guys,
Thanks yaa all for the advices.
Well one ? (may be stupid one, pls excuse. after all it is a learning experience)
The Hynes manual dosen't talk about draining the coolant and some of the DIY/FAQ's etc on this site talks about draining.
Can any one explain ?

I am still educating myself to make sure that i can do it all.

Thanks and appreciate for all expert responses

hondalowlow

its just like any other d sires. 12mm 10mm and 17mm take your time...