On Wed, 31 Dec 2003 19:49:57 GMT, NOSPAMrex@REMOVEtxol.net (Rex B)
wrote:

>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, should I tow
>|it to the dealer for the replacement of the pump and timing belt? I fear for
>|the TB en route if I drive.
>|
>|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?
>|Thanks
>
>Correct, do not drive it. Although I don't think it's an intereference engine,
>so the worst would be you are stranded somewhere.
> Changing pump & TB is not rocket science, but budget a weekend for it to be on
>the safe side. Hardest part for me was getting the crank bolt out.

I think the important stuff has already been said..

To answer the question of is is this a job you want to take on, take a
look at http://timingbelt.soben.com

I documented the one I did on my Integra. The '88 Civic might be a
bit easier because I think the engine bay is a little less dense and
it may only be SOHC, but the procedure is similar.

Good luck!

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