I am (likely) going to replace the water pump and thus the timing belt either this weekend or next. The 98 LX I just bought is leaking from what appears at the moment to be from the water pump. This will actually be the first time I have attempted a timing belt at all, let alone on a civic so I am open (in need) for pointers and help for this one.


Side Bar - It is amazing how cheap parts are for these cars. I did a water pump on my tahoe a few months back that ran me something like $300 for the part alone. Not including all the DexCool I had to replace. This unit is $50!!! ($28 for valuecraft but I think I will get a better unit than that).

 

A timing belt job is not that difficult. Do a search on previous post and look at some youtube videos, get the right tools and your all set to go.

 

well i have done some research, which was good because now i have more questions...

It looks like I need a special tool to remove the harmonic balancer. Anyone know which tool this is?

 

You can just spin the bolt out with a good impact wrench (standard right hand thread, turn ccw to loosen). If you're going to try to do it by hand (not recommended) you need the special tool-- crank pulley holder-- to hold the pulley still and a long lever to turn the bolt.

 

how do you get an air impact into that location?? I haven't got started yet, but I do not see how I would get my air impact into that small of a space?

 

Jack up the car and take the left front wheel off. Remove the plastic fender liner. Then it is easy to reach.

 

I did it once on my old 93 LX. It was a 5-speed so I blocked the flywheel with a long screw driver to keep the crank from turning. I used a long breaker bar on the socket to get it loose.

I'd use a Honda pump because I know they last a long time.