my girlfriends car broke down recently and a neighbor who is mechanically inclined insists that its the water pump and insists that we should do a timing belt kit as well. I trust his judgement, and were going to buy the parts ourselves. What would a fair price for labor be?

 

Timing belt, hmmm.... What year and model is this?

 

Yes which model civic and year is it?

 

her car is a 2006, and from what i understand, has a timing chain, not a belt. but because its an interference engine, its been suggested that we change the timing set when we do the water pump. does this hold any truth?

 

There is no need to change the timing chain.

You can replace the drive belt if that has not been changed before.

 

X2

When I just recently purchased my 2007 Civic Si from my local factory trained Honda tech who runs his own Honda/Acura performance shop he indicated this exact sentiment when I ask when do you change the timing chain.

His reply, when the ECU tells you to with an MIL/CEL light and specific code. And told me the serpentine/drive belt was just replaced.