Possible Water Pump Problem 1994 Honda Civic CX

1994 HONDA CIVIC
140,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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ALICE DEE
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My 1994 Honda Civic CX is leaking water from the area below its timing belt cover. I strongly suspect the water pump may be the problem.

I require initial assistance in diagnosing the problem correctly and also a detailed explanation about what tools I need and how to go about repairing the issue once it has been diagnosed.

By way of historical context, the timing belt was recently replaced on the vehicle, but incorrectly set timing seems to have caused overheating which then blew the engine's head gasket. The engine and gasket have since been replaced, but the water pump is original on a car with ~140K miles.

As I am currently on a very limited budget, your time spent in replying will be greatly appreciated!

Alice
Mar 19, 2011 at 6:34 PM
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ALICE DEE
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BTW, the vehicle does not have air conditioning installed.
Mar 19, 2011 at 6:38 PM
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ALICE DEE
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The car also does not have power steering or cruise control.
Mar 19, 2011 at 7:08 PM
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KHLOW2008
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Hi Alice,
The leak should most likely br from the water pump as that is the only part of the cooling system behind the timing belt cover and is prone to leakages after timing belt replacement. To replace the water pump, the timing belt has to be removed.
I doubt the overheating was caused by incorrectly timed timing belt. The problem might have been due to the leakage resulting in loss of coolant.
Mar 20, 2011 at 5:58 PM