On 31 Dec 2003 19:20:24 GMT, steadisteve@aol.comstopspam (SteadiSteve)
wrote:

>I've got a 1988 Honda Civic that a few days started making a strange noise.
>It's a loud rattle..very mechanical sounding....coming from the engine. It is
>definitely not the heat shield or something like that. Being somewhat handy,
>I first tried to diagnose this. The engine seems to run normally but we
>haven't driven any distance since the noise started. Long story short.....it
>is dripping antifreeze from around the main shaft (where the belts are). This
>is almost certainly a water pump failure, yes? The noise is getting
>substantial now and I'm wondering if, even the car can be driven,

NO!

> should I tow
>it to the dealer for the replacement of the pump and timing belt?

YES!

> I fear for
>the TB en route if I drive.

GOOD!

>Replacing the water pump is also essentially replacing the TB too. Is this a
>job I might undertake? I have many tools and have done various car repairs
>like alternator, brakes, valves, etc. This job seems much bigger but possibly
>do-able. Thoughts?

Hard to say. It's not for beginners and I wouldn't do it myself. Some
say the hardest part is breaking loose the pulley nut. Get a service
manual and judge for yourself. Whoever does it, make sure they
install genuine Honda TB, pump and antifreeze.


A few questions for you:

How many years/miles since the last TB and/or pump?

How often do you change coolant?

What kind of coolant do you use?



>Thanks
>SS