So I need to replace the timing belt on my gf's 95 Civic LX. Just wondering what all is involved in it such as parts to buy. Of course I need a new belt and should I replace the tensioner as well? What all has to be removed on the motor to access it? It seems very straightforward to me at lease. Remove the cover, set the two marks up on the belt and motor, relieve the tensioner, take the old belt off and put the new one on etc.... PLEASE correct me if I am wrong. Any help or step by step would be great. Thanks

 

Here's a great DIY on how to change the timing, it has lots of picture to give you an idea of the process.

http://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=649277


It is usually recommend that you change the water pump too.

 

Sigh, changing the timing belt makes my day. Do you know when it was last changed?

 

They're easy to change compared to a lot of other cars. It is very helpful to have a good impact wrench to take the crank pulley bolt out. Also when you're removing the pulley be very careful not to lose the metal key. You can reuse the tensioner if it still spins smooth and quiet. But a lot of people just put a new one on anyway.

 

you say they're easy to change, but everywhere I go they want to charge $1000 to remove engine or lift it, same thing, and access the belt/water pump. I'd do it myself if I don't have to take the engine out, if that's true.

 

On our cars there is no need to raise or take out the engine.

But on my friend mitsubishi eclipse that has the chrysler motor, there is no way in replacing the timing belt without raising the engine.[&:][:'(]

 

no you can do it inside the car just fine.... alittle tight yes BUT very common!
a few other things i would definatly replace is the CAM and CRANK oil seals behind the timing belt pulleys! they are pretty cheap oil seals and if they do end up leaking then you have to pull everything off again.....

JUST BE SURE the dot on the lower crank timing belt pulley lines up with the water pumps timing marks as well as the top cam marks. USE A MIRROR TO VIEW THE TOP TIMING MARKS BETTER.....
i didnt when i swaped my timing belt and ended up a few teeth off timing so i had to remove everything again.... i think theirs 2 PITA things with this swap. one the alternator bolts and the main crank bolt if ya dont have a good @ss air gun to break it loose! i had a good one and it spun the sucker off with nothing else holding the motor.
just make sure ya got a day or two to work it out...... worse case scenario

 

No you don't have to take the engine out!

Seriously after having done a couple of them, I can do it in way under 2 hours in the driveway, including breaks for beer.