1998 Honda Civic Timing Belt

1998 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
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GATORGRAFF
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  • 1 POST
I have a 1998 civic ex 2dr with 104k and am skeptical about changing the timing belt. I have heard stories of civics going all the way to 160k with no problem and no real horror stories of the timing belt snapping. Is the 100k timing belt change really necessary or is it a ploy by dealerships to get some coin out of you? Are there some measures I can take in order to inspect the condition of my timing belt right now? I have also heard that when the timing belt is changed, the water pump goes shortly after so it is best to do both replacements at the same time? Another ploy? I'm just trying to separate fact from fiction. Thank you for your responce!
Jul 20, 2006 at 2:32 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 3,754 POSTS
If you don't replace it and the belt goes, so does the head. Now it is a big expense. You make the call. The timing cover is pretty easy to remove and you can inspect the belt by turning over the engine by hand. Replacing the pump makes good sense.
Jul 20, 2006 at 9:16 AM
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Suggested Repair

Replace the timing belt near the recommended interval because a broken belt can damage the cylinder head. Remove the timing cover and inspect the belt by turning the engine by hand. Replace the water pump at the same time.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1998 Civic EX with 104,000 miles questions whether the 100,000-mile timing belt service is necessary and whether the water pump should be replaced with it. The expert says a failed belt can ruin the head, the cover can be removed to inspect the belt by turning the engine by hand, and replacing the pump makes sense.

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