So, can I change my timing belt on my own 92 civic (please read details)?

Question

I have done small things, like change my fuel filter on my own. I used the internet to get instructions on how to do it.

I want to use online instructions to change my timing belt on my own. Can I do it alone, with no experience, if I take it slow and use trusted instructions? I know doing it can save me a lot of money, but there's also the satisfaction and security in knowing I can tackle advanced things if I have the proper tools.

Also, will I need any more tools other than 1 car jack, and a socket wrench set? Are there tools that I will need that only mechanics normally own? If so, which?

Are there things that I will need to do that only a mechanic can do for whatever reason?

Thanks for your input/advice.

sites that i may be using:

http://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=649277
http://www.ehow.com/how_6577141_change-belt-1992-honda-civic.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_4896631_change-timing-belt-honda-civic.html

Answer 1

I would say yes you can, the only other tool that you will need to invest in is the torque wrench. The one you want is the smaller of the two, the large one ranges from 20lb/ft to 150lb/ft while the smaller one ranges from 10lb/ft to 80lb/ft. Most of the fasteners will be 10 to 50lb/ft. there are only a few that need the full 80lb/ft. The only other important thing is to bring your engine around to the top dead center position, and don't let it move until the new belt is in place. Mark the location of the timing index dots for the crank and cam(s), then carefully remove the old belt and put the new one on. If you run into snags please feel free to email me i will help to get you through any troubles.

Answer 2

Yes it is possible for you to change your own timing belt...the hardest part is removing the crankshaft bolt. Before you even take out the first bolt take off the left front wheel and remove the splash shields and then you will see the crank bolt. You may need to removed the driver's side engine mount to expose the crank bolt. Now keep in mind these where Honda's brain fart years you will probably have one bolt on the engine mount coming from the top and one from the bottom. Once you get access to the bolt try and remove it. When you are looking at the crankshaft bolt and crankshaft pulley you will see a bunch of holes around the pulley where you will be tempted to find something to put into the hole to stop the crankshaft from turning well DON'T DO IT...ALL YOU WILL DO IS DAMAGE THE PULLEY AND YOU WILL NEED TO REPLACE IT BECAUSE IT WILL ME BENT!!! Those holes are for a special tool from Honda can go in the hole and hold the crank pulley not a screwdriver or a 3/8 extension. If you can loosen the bolt then you will be home free and you will be able to do your own timing belt replacement ...hint if the car is a manual shift transmission try putting the car in gear and have a friend hold down on the brake pedal and try to take the bolt off like that...BUT FOR GOD SAKE DO NOT PUT A SOCKET AND RATCHET AND TRY TO BUMP THE BOLT OFF THE ENGINE IS A REVERSE ROTATION AND ALL YOU WILL DO IS TIGHTEN THE BOLT WHERE IT WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU TO REMOVE IT YOURSELF...good luck

Answer 3

With the right tools and know-how, you can tackle most automotive repairs. Besides a good set of tools, a torque wrench is a must. While you're that far into the front of the engine, it's always a good idea to replace the water pump. Check the crank seal as well as the cam(s) seal(s) for leakage as well.

Answer 4

I have changed the timing belt on several conventional (rear drive) engines, and I'm telling you what I see in your Honda Manual looks very much like a nightmare. The Honda Mechanic can (or should ) do that job in 4 hours, at $75/hr that's $300.00 labor. Not saying you can't do it but it's gonna be tough.

Answer 5

i work constantly on civics. i had a 95 ex, 99 lx, and currently own a 00 lx & 98 hx.....i blew my hx motor and tried fixing it. headgasket blew and then jumped timing causing to bend to exhaust valves.....anyways in order to change the timing belt, u have to take a bunch of **** off. also u need a honda crank pulley holder in which u can get it from oreilys....take off the crank pulley, side engine mounts(there r 2 of them), then top timing cover and then the bottom. taking that off will access u to the timing belt. there will be a tensioner withe 1 bolt holdn the timing belt tensioned. replacement is the opposite. also be careful with the crankshaft pulley. 1 degree of timing movement and ull throw the engine out of timing and cause ur civic not to crank up afterwards causing u to bend ur valves....

Answer 6

Yeah honda-tech is good, get a helms manual... look it up on honda-tech