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.

I've never heard a rattling sound from a failing water pump - could be that
a corroded impeller blade(s) is completely detached from the shaft. I
wouldn't drive it at all.

>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?

The job is not that difficult but as mentioned getting the crank pulley
bolt off is quite difficult. An '88 Civic will not have the 50mmm hex
"socket" for a pulley holder tool so the options are a 1) a *big* impact
wrench 2) a screwdriver jammed in the ring gear; or 3) an improvised tool
made from heavy angle iron and a couple of bolts through holes drilled in
it, which engage with the holes in the pulley. A strap wrench on the
pulley would likely damage the rubber damper built into the pulley.

I'd advise making sure you can get the pulley bolt off before doing any
further disassembly.

Rgds, George Macdonald

"Just because they're paranoid doesn't mean you're not psychotic" - Who, me??