hi, i got a 98 accord 4 cyl. I want to replace timing belt.. Is this a do it yourself job. I can change brakes, oil, and stuff like that.. What do you think?

 

well I did mine myself, but it's not a job for a novice. brakes and oil changes don't really compare. the TB is a lot more complicated.

check out the thread thats titled "website for timing belt change" or something like that. it's a few down from this one. that should give you a good idea of whats involved. just remember that when you do it, you could possibly damage the engine if you really botch it, so be honest with yourself about your abilities.

 

Get a manual and read it, then re-read it, then read it while you're doing the job. If possible get a friend to help you, even if he/she hasnt done one before, 2 heads are better than one.

 

i was in your position a couple weeks ago and bought the manual. I read it a couple times then tried it. Finished the job around 3 hours. Hardest part is getting the bolt of the pulley to get the covers off. We broke a extinsion trying to get that bolt off.

 

exactly... the crank pulley bolt is (usually) the most difficult to get off. air tools won't do it sometimes. i stood on a breaker bar and socket while a friend held the flywheel with a flathead. we eventually got it off, but it was a pain.

make sure you line the notch on the flywheel up with the cam (TDC)... this is crucial. if you don't you will fizzuck up your valves and need a new cylinder head. if your car is DOHC, then you will need extra time to line both cams with the crank.

good luck

 

Thats how we did it too. The breaker bar we had a extension on it and that broke. The air tools did nothing to the bolt

 

I wouldnt do it myself its not really worth it. Me and a buddy (who is a mechanic did mine, with no problems or hiccups.). But from what I saw its a bit complicated and on our Accords their are two belts to change a small one and a larger one, and things can get a little confusing. If you dont put the small one back properly you will lose VTEC, and if you screw up the big one, ur gonna hear some clanging when you start it up first. Thankfully I didnt experience either so mine went well.