I have a 1996 Civic with 182k miles on it. I have no idea when the timing belt was replaced previously. Should i keep driving it around or should i replace the belt as soon as possible.

 

what do u think, keeping in mind u are 180K+

 

Timing belt service interval is every 90k miles, or there abouts. Your call.

 

I figured that it would need to be changed, i was just hoping for an answer like, "the timing will last until 250K", or something like that.

How hard would it be to change the belt myself? I am not a mechanic, and i do not know much about cars.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by m_cough &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I figured that it would need to be changed, i was just hoping for an answer like, "the timing will last until 250K", or something like that.</TD></TR></TABLE>

90k is the 'recommended' time. I'm quite sure many have surpassed that mark though. However, there have been the few that have broken it before that time. So...take your pick.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by m_cough &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">How hard would it be to change the belt myself?</TD></TR></TABLE>

It's pretty simple if you have the right tools and are handy enough. Find a Helms manual (hondatech.info) for your car and give the timing belt procedure a once-over and see how it sits with you. Or search on this site. There are a few DIY'er threads with pics detailing the process.

 

how to change a timing belt.

1. set a jack underneath the engine and raise is just a bit
2.undo crank pulley nut.
3.losen up ur altenator and remove the altenator belt.
4.remove valve pan cover.
5.remove the crank pulley.
6.remove timing belt cover(plastic that goes around the belt to protect it)
7.raise jack so that the motor begins to lift slightly.
8.remove motor mount bolts and motor mount.
9. undo the tension pulley.(do bot remove just losen the bolt)
10. remove belt.

reverse order for installation.(but when u put the belt back on and tighten the tension pulley remember if u tightrn it to much u wont beable to put the belt on and if u put it to loose it just jump out of timing every time u crank the car.

hope this helps. if u need any more help just ask.
limited to 5post a day for now so be very descriptive on what u want the first time.