I'm moderatly smart and extra poor, with a chilton and HCF's help could i (or should i) attempt to do a timing belt change? 98 civic ex coupe (manual) w/ nothing other than I/H/E. What do the pros think? What all would i need? Whats the chance that i'll complete F my baby up?

 

From what i've heard it doesnt seem like that huge of job. I do however recommend you do your water pump at the same time though. I guess your best bet would be to read through your Chilton's and see if it "seems" too difficult for your personal skill level.

 

You could do it, but you can't cut corners on the specific instructions. Some things in there are very sensitive...

 

It's not exactly child's play.

It costs that much at the shop for a reason.

Do you have an impact?

There are lots of great write ups on doing it. Read through one with pictures and see what you think.

 

As long as you have access to all the tools needed, you should be able to do it yourself.
If this is your first time trying mechanical repairs, I'd make sure I had a buddy with me, cause you always run into some problem that you may need a ride to the local parts store.

 

Yeah, go buy the longest damn breaker bar you can find. That crankshaft pulley bolt really pissed me off a lot when I did mine.

 

Actually, the majority of shops overcharge no matter what. And no, you don't need impact tools to do the job.

 

My first experience at a timing belt change:

2 hours.....took basically everything off of the engine (power steering, a/c tensioner, motor mount, etc.)

Got it all back together and started it....ran perfectly.

I noticed that I had left out the belt guide (the one on the outside of the crank). I went back in to put it in and I broke the harmonic balancer
($40 part at the scrap yard......$130 at the dealer)

Pulled the part on Labor Day at the yard....had the Civic up and running by 11:00 a.m.

Other than that, it was a simple exchange and I learned from my mistakes.

I would like to add that I have done timing chains on several vehicles so I am not necessarily a novice.

 

but you will need a torque wrench. and like XCM said, a big *** breaker bar to get the crank pulley bolt loose if you dont have an impact. (yeah, I know Kappa, I know....)

 

I didnt say an impact was necessary, I just asked if he had one. Some impacts wont even get that bad boy off.