Honda Civic Timing Belt Replacement, Quick Look (1998) - EricTheCarGuy

[@TommyT777]

Crank pulley bolt: 134 lb-ft (185 N•m) Tensioner pulley bolt: 33 lb-ft (45 N•m) Camshaft pulley bolt: 27 lb-ft (38 N•m) Valve Cover and Belt Cover bolts: 7 lb-ft (10 N•m)

[@ProjectCarTV]

@EricTheCarGuy Good video. I just did the same thing the other day on a friends car. The difference was that his belt snapped which required new valves. By the time the math was done for shop time - it was easier for him to just chance it buying another head from a scrapyard. We actually found a low mileage side swiped car with green coolant and no signs of overheat. I'm a big fan of keeping head with block unless both are machined true but - he needed transporation. So far it's all good.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Migplease Not true, the bolt spins in the normal direction so don't turn it clockwise to loosen it. The tool is available on Amazon for a very reasonable price BTW and I strongly recommend you use it.

[@jplkenny]

why did you change the belt and pump in this engine if it was new? did you do it just for the footage or is their another reason?

[@Daily-Verified]

EricTheCarGuy has taught me everything i need to know about hondas. learned how to fix my own for 10 years now. Keep grindin cause this helps anytime i have a question all i have to do is watch your videos.

[@ericthecarguy]

@SingleCamFTW No worries, I'm just happy to help. Thanks for the update and the great comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@ProjectCarTV You can never argue with success as there is more than one way to get to grandmas house. Thanks for the comment.

[@axenz1]

I watched this video on Apr 1, 2011 . I did a Timing belt replacement today :) .. Thanks Eric

[@ericthecarguy]

@mirc225 I can do it in about an hour on the car. I don't recommend replacing the cam sensor as they don't normally go bad. I really can't say how much torque but having the crank removal tool is your best bet.

[@ericthecarguy]

@poopalone I honestly don't remember. My opinion on your swap is that if you want a fast car start with a fast car and make it faster, don't make a slow car fast because by the time your done you would have spent a lot more in the process. If you love the car however then have fun.

[@allenety]

Hi, I'm doing my civic timing belt now, this video help me a lot. I have a question. When you set the tension, you hold the cam gear and turn the crank gear a little bit. Does that make the timing out. I tried the same way to set the tension but the timing marks do not line up anymore. If you can explane a little bit more about setting the tension will be great. Thanks. Cheers!!

[@ericthecarguy]

@poopalone I got it off of an old wiring harness, can't remember what the connector went to though I've had that tool for a while in fact it looks exactly like the one that Honda has.

[@ericthecarguy]

@adidas6804 Perfectly normal, the reason for it is that the cam has different loading forces on it based on the position of the cam itself because the valve springs tend to push it in the opposite direction depending on the cam position.

[@JamesDguy]

Very nice video very very imformative and iv been struggling with the d15b7 cam timing for a few days got it close but dizzy has to be turned all the way towards from of car just to run.. It dont run the best but it runs alot better than b4. Do you think ima tooth off and would i be a tooth of towards intake or exhaust Its a SOHC just idk if i need to turn it left or right to get my tooth back.. Thanks for video DID help unlike others who give u a stupid picture and say do it like this lol

[@ericthecarguy]

@RatanakTevy The white mark off by itself is TDC, the 3 marks you mention represent 16º BTDC and 2º before and 2º after, the center mark is the 16º. You should not have to reset ignition timing however after doing the job, in fact it should go back to spec 16º BTDC after you do the belt job.

[@ericthecarguy]

@xtreamdreams Without looking at the marks for myself it's impossible to say, check the marks and make sure it's lined up it's really the only way to be sure. Once you have everything set where you think it needs to go and you set tension try rotating the engine over by hand to turn it 2 revolutions to check the alignment of the marks again.

[@cdong99]

@EricTheCarGuy You said not to turn it clockwise but between 1:09 and 1:26 when you were trying to line up the timing marks you were turning it clockwise. Should I follow what you did or should I turn the other way? By the way, this tutorial is by far the most detailed one I've ever seen. Thanks, Eric!

[@ericthecarguy]

@Cloud2fou5 Your belt tension may be too tight or something may not be aligned correctly, I recommend you go back and check your work.

[@Specialized1993]

THANK YOU!!!! It was really hard to find a video that gives such good instructions. no one ever shows of how they actually put the timing belt on and tension it.... They just tell u how to do it, you are the only one...

[@samuelshank570]

loving it dude, i wanna have a joint with you, i know u partake, dont lie! kEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

[@twistedwrench490]

😂

[@ericthecarguy]

@MrDaverouse Sounds like you don't have the belt tension right, you might try re-tensioning the belt just to be on the safe side.

[@ProjectCarTV]

@EricTheCarGuy Have you ever seen some of the stuff Bisi Ezerioha has done with sohc Honda engines? He's gone to Grandmas house, picked up your Aunt, dropped off the dry cleaning, drove Gramps to shuffleboard, and came back with a 500hp non turbo 1320 screamer. He's done things for sohc Honda that nobody ever thought could be done. BisiMoto - GOOD STUFF.

[@masanoel25]

Hi Eric, in this video you turn the crankshaft clockwise and in your other video Honda Civic D Series Timing Belt Replacement (Part 1) you said turn the crankshaft counter clockwise which one is better? thank you

[@ericthecarguy]

@Specialized1993 I'm glad the info helped, thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@murphythegolfer You didn't mention the type of car but if you follow the service manual recommendations you can't go wrong. There really is no such thing as a 'differential flush' you just change the fluid there and to be honest if you change the fluids regularly flushing really isn't necessary. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@benny5825 The ones that turn the front wheels. If you turn left and hear the noise it's usually the right axle and the opposite is true for the other side.

[@jasonalexander6417]

shouldn't the crankshaft be rotated counter clockwise?

[@qaz3000]

@EricTheCarGuy I FEEL EXACLY THE SAME WAY !!! i hear the other mechanic swearing as im always ready and hoping for a new challenge , the day goes so fast its unbelivable i like to come early and leave late and i dont even notice it. Now mondays are good days because a new week begin and the Snap-On truck is coming to give it a good start :D i've never been more happier with my life and im glad you know how i feel. Once again thank you so much

[@danwat1234]

@EricTheCarGuy, Did you replace the tensioner or just install the old one again? I'm wondering if it should be replaced every time that a timing belt is replaced like a water pump is.

[@ericthecarguy]

@mirc225 Sorry to hear about that but it sounds like you got it worked out, thanks for the comment.

[@iCanHazTwentyLetters]

Also, arent you turning it the wrong way when you are setting it to TDC? Imean I know you are gonna change the belt anyway, but isnt it good practice to go counter clockwise?

[@ismaelvelez82]

Your videos are very helpful. I always look through your video library first before I ask anyone or before I look anywhere else. Thanks for all the help!

[@ericthecarguy]

@zeppelin264 I did tighten the bolt after setting the tension through the access hole in the timing cover and yes once you lock it down it's in that spot for good.

[@sophocha]

Wow excellent video! You`ve lost me on the part when you tight the belt and the UP marks moves a little bit on the left.Is this affecting the timing slightly?Also, it`s the same procedure for DOHC engines right?

[@12goshy]

Quick question Eric. How much effort does it take to turn over a honda civic 4 banger. My engine broke the timing belt while driving.

[@ericthecarguy]

@qaz3000 That is the comment of the day if I ever saw one. I remember when I got my first job as a mechanic and how good it was to finally earn a paycheck for something I loved doing, it almost felt like stealing as I would have done the work for free. Thanks for the comment and good luck.

[@ericthecarguy]

@adidas6804 I have but it's been a while, it's actually much more cost effective to replace an engine than it is to rebuild it in my experience.

[@ericthecarguy]

@spelunkerd That's exactly what I meant. The spring is only there to hold the belt initially, once you tighten the tensioner it's fixed for the life of the belt really.

[@BLADExARTx5160]

Eric, I've tried setting tension on my timing belt 3 times now and the front side keeps getting loose. What could be the problem? New tensioner and new spring just installed

[@celiosantana5457]

I love to see the evolution of his channel!! Congratulations Eric!

[@philztheone]

Eric! ECTG=Eric the Car God (not Guy). Obviously you don't know me but after watching several of your videos you seem more like a friend to me. You do a great job on your videos. Excellent camera work, lighting, diction and excellent explanations. You're a pro and it shows. Thank you. With the help of you videos I just successfully completed a timing belt and water pump change in my '93 Del Sol. Wish I could buy you a beer or a coffee. Keep up the good work!--Phil

[@ericthecarguy]

@fastjdm Replace the water pump, CHECK the tensioner by spinning it and listening for noise, I don't suspect your going to find any so I would not buy it unless you need it.

[@ericthecarguy]

@EricWaterTruck You do this enough and it gets easier, don't be intimidated just focus on one thing and a time and before you know it your done.

[@enginemodify]

Hey Eric, Can you recommend where to buy/what kind of belt and water pump? I want to do this myself, but want to make sure i get the right part. thanks man solid work on the videos

[@qaz3000]

Hello Eric , just wanted to do a little feedback on all that you've done for me i've gone a long way from the broken boy trying to fix his clunker, for several years i hearned repair skill fixing everyone's car with Haynes repiar manual and of course internet knoledge which ETCG is a must! Im now a professional automotive technician working in a nice garage and earning good money All this whitout going to technical school i now have a nice car also and an apartment with a garage Thanks to you

[@ericthecarguy]

@axenz1 That is the method outlined in the Honda service manual, the addition of using the hand is my contribution. Thanks for your comment.

[@Daredevil-nj9rf]

Hi Eric !! I have watched this vid so many times and finally managed to replace my own timing belt, water pump and rocker covers gasket by myself. So thank you very much for your help. I have the same car you have shown on this vid and i have come across an issue with my engine now. every time i start my engine my dashboard,steering wheel and passenger side door vibrates really bad and this was not like that before.. but as i drive the car for while it goes away. Any tips to fix this issue???

[@gerrythrash]

Thanks for the video, Eric. This gives me an appreciation for why a timing belt job costs so much at the dealer.

[@REVHO44]

what kind of timing belt kit do you recommend for a kit? Also how d you know what side is the tension side of the timing belt?

[@Drkvampire2001]

Hey Eric, i just wanted to let you know how much i appreciate this video and the engine removal on the civic, i recently blew a connecting rod in my 98 EX and used the video as a guide more or less to do the engine removal. I am mechnically savvy but never removed an engine, so i gave it a shot, it is currently out of the car and things went SMOOTH, so i appreciate the time you took to do this!

[@Waxxumus]

Is this a new engine or just a very well maintenanced one?

[@fastjdm]

Hi Eric, I want to change the timing belt on my 1993 Acura Legend. I have a couple of questions...do you recommmend that I also change the water pump??since im doing the timing belt. Also I saw that they sell " timing belt kits" that come with timing belt, tensioner etc. Does the tensioner also need to be replaced when the timing belt gets changed?? Thank You!!!!!

[@ericthecarguy]

@bojo101 Glad you liked it, thanks for the comment.

[@spelunkerd]

You said, "Once you do that (when you rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise and hold the cam gear tight with your other hand), nail down that 14". I guess what you mean by that statement, is that there is a 14 mm bolt that goes through the lower cover plate that holds tension somehow on the tensioner. Right? I always thought the tensioner was spring loaded, so it could flex a little if the belt stretched over time....

[@ericthecarguy]

@drsushimon Personally I think they are quite easy compared to some, in fact I can have one done in a little over an hour in the car, perhaps faster if I'm in the right mood. It is a matter of perception I suppose. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@akosik4lbu THAT is my mission in life. Thanks very much for your comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@jboydmv90 Second person to bring that up, quite simply because in all of these that I've done I've only seen maybe one go bad. This job was as budget as you could get so you save money where you can. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@vipermech Seriously the gun was turned down and my compressor isn't all that. It does provide a measure of consistency though. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@groutaone Thank you for that! I really enjoy your videos as well when I get the time to watch them, these days I'm so busy keeping up with comments I barely have time to watch anything anymore.

[@abrahamandrade8555]

I recently bought a 1999 honda civic ex, but the timing belt needs replacement. Also, the shifting of the gears aren't shifting smoothly, do you think this might be do to the timing belt or something else.

[@ericthecarguy]

@murphythegolfer It sounds like a mixture problem so I don't think the tune up will help but it can't hurt. Perhaps check the fuel pressure during the time it's acting up as you may have a fuel pressure regulator problem. Probably not a bad idea to check for vacuum leaks either just in case.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Drkvampire2001 I'm very happy to hear the video helped you do that job, it's always great to hear when my work actually helps people, thank you.

[@jfriesen39]

Eric, quick question. Did you replace the tensioner with a new one or throw the old one back on there? A shop today told me it is not necessary to replace them on this engine. Thanks!

[@CALIBREDTEXASFED619]

hey man your videos are awesome! but the only thing was the darkness, you should get some softlights for filmings. wont bug your eyes out, but give the picture a well lit, clear picture

[@TheStonedDruid]

Yes... I was trying to see how much tension was on that back side of the belt when he tapped on it, but it's too dark and I can't really see it. Just got my car all back together and it sounds like im hearing the timing belt whining from being too tight.. 😢

[@ericthecarguy]

@kennethwdc Actually I think a better solution is to get into a shop with proper lighting and a nicely painted floor to help bounce the light. Oh, and a lift too. :) Thanks for your input.

[@bshawn41]

How long would this take inside the engine bay? All my belts need replacing. Should I give myself an entire weekend?

[@ericthecarguy]

@MileyCyrus192 I might disagree on that one because the dipstick is held in by the lower cover on this model, I find that removing it makes life a lot easier. I think you misunderstood my comment, with the engine out of any car there is tons of room compared to in the car.

[@ericthecarguy]

@sophocha It shouldn't effect the timing if the belt stays on and yes it is the same for a DOHC. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@benny5825 I would check the axles as they are the most common cause of that noise in my experience.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Michiganborn1969 Normally I recommend installing the lower cover with the crank pulley installed so that you can see the mark before installing the belt on the cam to prevent that very thing. It's also not a bad idea to give the engine 2 turns to see if the marks line up before you button it back up too.

[@ericthecarguy]

@Hondatech26 I did do a video on how to do a valve adjustment on a different car but the principal is exactly the same don't fret because that is in part 2.

[@murphythegolfer]

do you reccomend a coolant flush or trans flush or differental flush, i have heard mixed reviews with this. my trans fluid is nice and pink particle free. i also think since my car is 10 years old the book says to change thin timing belt at 100,000 miles should i get it done sooner and should i get cam gears replaced? its a really nice truck and i just want it to last forever, or until i can afford a nissan 370z. ps im only 16.

[@maxfix-gh8268]

I just re-adjusted my tensioner on my 92 honda civic and they car is doing well. Thanks for the video. Thumbs up.

[@CrossroadsReloaded]

When has your timing belt been replaced ? If it hasn't been done in a while, it may be the belt itself (belts become noisy when they're worn out). But I guess it could come from another component (i.e. tensioner). The safest thing to do it to drive it to a shop and get it checked up because you really don't want your timing belt or any component linked to it to break down while you're on the road...

[@MrRevto9k]

Hi quick question I'm in the process of changing the timing belt on my 93 del sol SI. Before I took off the old belt I set engine to TDC turning it counter-clock wise and timing marks on the cam aligned. I noticed in the video you turned the engine clock-wise, did I do it wrong? Would my timing be off? Thanks

[@jcvillaruz]

Once u got the belt off it couldn't go out of timing right? Unless you turn the crankshaft or the cams separately?

[@bhstone1]

Eric, why didn't you replace the tensioner and pulleys? Isn't it time for them to be replaced?

[@rhonldz568]

Hi i wonder the proper rotation on the timing belt to line up.while watching the video it was turning clockwise..bit confuse or doesn't matter?

[@mrkzj2]

Hey Eric, really helpful video. Just wondering if this is similar to the F-series engine, and if so, would you have to do anything with the engine mount on that side on the older CB7 Accord?

[@racermike13sec]

i have a question eric when you set the tension on the timing belt is it possible to mess up on the tdc doing this procedure...

[@cjfinerty]

How'd that work out for you? Two months ago you posted radiator stop leak.

[@ericthecarguy]

@dasache It certainly makes it easier to get it in time when you install the new belt if it's in time to start with.

[@hugoluz3846]

If the crankshaft and camshaft timing marks are aligned (with the marks which they should be aligned with), that means necessarilly that it is in the TDC point?

[@RatanakTevy]

After watching your video, I'm brave enough to tried changing my timing belt, water pump and the three belts with a lot of praying. Took me 12hrs. to complete it. However, I'm confused about which line to line up the crankshaft. There are three red lines next to each other and one white line. Right now with the use of the timing light, the center red line is lining up with the arrow and it starting just fine. Is this where it should be or line it up with the white line instead? Thanks.

[@ericthecarguy]

@hobieslug45 I've done it a couple of times, thanks for your comment and for your suggestion, it's a good one.

[@TheTaker31]

Hi Eric Hopefully I get a reply 🙏 Have a 98 civic Dx the crank is opposite timing of the crank. Car was running fine. Didn't misfire or idle rough. How can I get the cam/timing UP Mark to match the crank (lower) Currently it's opposite sides. Top mark UP is down (6:00) And the lower one in TDC

[@ericthecarguy]

@Warkhan I keep experimenting at making my videos better and judging by the likes on your comment you might be onto something. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@alphared11 Lots of people have liked that, I may be using it more in the future as a result. Thanks for the comment.

[@iskeet011]

I have a 97 honda crv, I was going about about 35 mph when the timing belt popped. How likely is it that the valves are bent or that I will have to replace anything else other than timing belt? From experience is it most likely, less likely or am I in good shape

[@ericthecarguy]

@JTheGuitarPlayer I did line up the crank but just didn't highlight it in the video. I wasn't worried about scratching the oil pan it's aluminum. NEVER put anything on the dipstick 'o' ring, they are hard enough to get out as it is. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@dandim23 Don't I know it, at the moment I'm just flat wore out. Thing is if I walk away it piles up and it gets more and more difficult to catch up. Thanks for the comment and for your understanding.

[@ericthecarguy]

@junior775 Glad to help, thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@writerofwriters69 Excellent point, looking back I wish I had done a 2 camera on this one but to be honest I wasn't into being a mechanic that day let alone making videos, I just wanted to make the best of it though as I had a lot of people asking about this video. Thanks for the comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@hondaslave I think I mentioned spinning it all the way round and rechecking the marks but if not nice catch. Thanks for the comment.

[@jexfrex]

Eric, I have a question. I was reading up on changing my timing belt on a 2004 Lexus Rx330. It states that I should move the crank to 60 degrees BTDC when removing my t-belt. Is that necessary? If I keep my crank and cam sprockets at tdc, isn't that good enough?

[@TimeRelease_1]

I was barely accelerating from a full stop at an intersection and my timing belt gave out and snapped so do you think that I was going slowly enough (about 30-35mph) that my valves were not damaged

[@murphythegolfer]

Hey Eric i have a 2002 nissan frontier and it starts up fine when cold and runs great, but once warm if i try to restart it it tales longer to start than i would like. i used injector cleaner, and did a power balance test and the cleaner didnt work and the power balance ws fine, it only has 40,000 miles engine is perfect nice and golden brown under the oil cap, use only synthetic oil every 4,000 miles any suggestions. im going to replace the cap and rotor, and wires and plugs do u reccomend this

[@ericthecarguy]

@380gb I agree, it seems that the VO is well received however so perhaps a mix of both in future videos. Thanks for your comment.

[@ericthecarguy]

@jpmc271 Experience helps here too as I'm sure that torque wrench or not you won't repeat the same mistake again. BTW I've used air tools for years doing this job without incident, it's all about practice I suppose. Thanks for the comment.

[@MrDookie2011]

Hi Eric, Please can you make a video on setting up the timing marks for example if you were removing the head? If you could also include the crank locking tools etc. Before removing the head can you set the crank to tdc and just line it up afterwards on the cam ?