Sorry for asking, but im stuck in a hotel room and dont have any books.

This next week, Im replacing my friend's 2001 civic timing belt/ chain. Also, ill be chaning my 1998 accord timing belt/ chain. First of all, are these belts or chains on these cars? How big of a job is it. Im an aircraft mechanic, so Im not worried about how technical it is, but just a time estimate and general overview.

Also, my 98 4-cyl manual accord makes a really deep rumble when I shift into the next higher gear with lowerish RPMs. I shift around 2250 (for better gas mileage) and there is a distinct rumble, not so much the engine bogging down, but almost like an exhaust leak of some sorts. Any Ideas?

And last one, my serp and p/s belts started whistling about 2 weeks ago. I replaced both belts and the whistling stopped, but now when I start my car I get a real loud squeel... Serp belt is good and tight. I have tightened the p/s belt and it stopped. Just started squeeling again, retightened it, and it still squeels.

Thanks in advance!

Sean

 

I believe both have timing belts. Check w/ autozone.com for download instructions and specs. Check Online Manuals in DIY section for possible downloads for your two vehicles.

I think most DIY'rs will take 6-8 hrs w/ liberal breaks. I usually manage to spend most of the day.

"Rumble" could be engine sound or body sound. If engine, I would suspect a loose heat shield, or perhaps leaking/cracked exhaust pipe. If body, I would look for a loose exhaust pipe hanger or exhaust part too near body causing impact at certain rpm. This might also be a symptom of damaged or loose motor mount. Worth checking all when you do the maintenance.

Sometimes tensioner can wear out and allow loose belt under some conditions. Look at tension indicator and be sure it's in acceptable position.

good luck

Are you absolutely sure the squeal is from the belt? I have an occasional starter noise that sounds very much like a belt; a high pitched squeal as engage catches.

 

Thanks for the info Texas.

I figured each timing belt would take about a day. Gonna be loving that. AS for the rumble, Ill just see if I can find anything loose.

Im pretty sure the squeal is the ps belt. It didnt squeal before I replaced the belt, it does now on startup, and it doesnt make the noise if the belt is off.

Thanks again!

 

Both engines have timing belts. F-series SOHC in the Accord. and D-series SOHC in the Civic. Maybe the Civic is an Si version with a B-series DOHC? That's got a belt too.

Find or download a repair manual for each car. The most difficult thing should be removing the crankshaft pulley. Easiest way is to use an air-impact wrench with about 4 million lbf-ft of torque.

In the manuals, find the pictures of the timing marks on the cam sprockets. Find the marks & understand them before you take the belts off. On the cam sprockets, there's an arrow that points generally UP, but the REAL timing marks are little dimples out at the sprocket teeth.