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I have two Civics, a 1997 model LX and a 2001 model EX. The '97 only has 69000 miles on it while the '01 has 111,000 miles. I am wondering if I should have the timing belt changed on either one. Also, does anyone know what damage might occur if the timing belt should break. I have heard that if the engine is an interference fit then serious damage could happen, but I don't know if either of these engines fall in that category.

 
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Yes it is time for both of them to be changed. The 97 cause how old it is and still on the first belt probably and the 01 cause it is at the miles where it needs to be changed.

 
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The 01' is also past the age where it requires changing.

 
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I'm gonna go with the others and say yes. If it goes, say goodbye to your engine. I figure if you're gonna keep the car, getting the maintenance done is cheaper than replacing an entire car or whatever on the car from the damage.

 
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What state do you live in? I agree both should be changed

 
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It's a pain in the dick, but you gotta change them.

Do you want to replace a belt or rebuild/replace the whole engine?

 
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I live in northern Ohio. Does anyone have an idea what this would cost? Would it be better to go to the dealer for this rather than an independent shop?

 
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I'm gonna be the @$$hole who disagrees with everyone and say examine the belt first before you commit.

I had over 142K miles on my '98 LX Auto and when I pulled the timing belt I was surprised to find that it looked practically brand new. I didn't have to change it but did it anyways. I did, however, discover my belt drives needed replacing.

 
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I suppose if there is portal where u can do this examination properly without hoisting the engine or take off the cover, then by all mean examine, but if ur going through the whole hassle of having to pull off the cover, what the big deal for another $50 bux right.

 
Rep Power: 213

The belt was 142k and might have been alright but was it 13 yrs old before you changed it.

And to jsmithe taking off the valve cover is not a hassle at all. Its very easy and only takes bout 15 mins. On his 97 there is just a cover over the belt seperate from the valve vover so he does not need to remove the valve cover, on the other hand on his 01 he will need to take the valve cover off. And what costs 50 bux surely not a timimg belt change cause you need to change the water pump and the timing belt tensioner.

 
Rep Power: 203

To be honest, the belt could have been changed prior to me owning the car.

Original owner couldn't recall if it was changed or not. When I examined my belt drives and since they needed to be replaced I figured the timing belt needed changing too.

All I'm saying is examine the belt before you go through the hassle of changing it.

 
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Ok I got ya.

 
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Damn you!

 
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I just got an estimate last week for parts and labor on this. It'll be about $700 man. It's not very cheap but it's worth it.

 
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Damn that is expensive. I just spent $500 for factory parts to do my headgasket + timing belt and I thought that was pretty outrageous.

 
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so what is the time line or mileage for timing belt replacement? is it every 60k miles or every 3 years? i've removed the upper plastic cover on my SOHC and didn't notice any damage or cracks on the belt cogs or backside.
i think i'm nearing the 50k mark but it's been quite a while since the last change. Also for this, i'll have to set aside for a new water pump as well.

 
Rep Power: 216

Jeez. Now I don't feel as bad. Mine was 600ish after taxes at the stealership, and I have an Si....
I dunno, man. Some people like that kinda stuff. Nah. But seriously. It's money well spent.

 
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I agree with all the posts above. I got the parts (belt, tensioner, valve cover gasket, all other belts, water pump) from Handa for about $ 200 and the mechanic took $ 350 for all the belt changes, water pump replacement, coolant drain and valve cover gasket replacement (next time I would like to do it myself). So you should be looking at around $ 550-600 for the 2001 Civic. For the 97 it might be a bit cheaper since getting to the water pump and the timing belt is not as cumbersome as the 2001.

I would recommend changing both if you wish to keep the cars. I had mine changed at 127k and it looked almost new with a few micro cracks at the edges between the teeth. Some people keep running as many miles as they can on one belt thinking all is going to be fine. But mishaps happen once in a while and if the belt breaks while driving you are in big big trouble. So it is your call.

 
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what year is yours?

 
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I have 104k on mine & have to change the belt/pump soon.
Debating if i should change them myself or pay a mech.

 
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i did the timing belt change
3 days ago
and my civic has 150000 miles on it ,its a d17a2
and belt was the original one so be sure that the belt is wel manufactured

do it is better for the engine!

 
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I stopped at the Honda dealer today and got some details on the timing belt changes for my 1997 and 2001 Civics. The service manager said that they replace the timing belt and water pump and add coolant as needed. They do not replace the tensioner unless needed. Cost for '97 is $567 and cost for the "01 is $630. They said to add about $50 if I want the other belts replaced. They told me it takes all day to do this job. This doesn't sound like a job I want to tackle, so I guess I'll bite the bullet and get it done.

 
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@ RedCivic26 - 2003 Civic EX
@ mharnisch - Dealers charge a bit extra than other chain store or local auto stores. I got it done from the local mechanic since he allowed me to give him genuine Honda parts and not Duralast ones like all chain stores use. It might be a bit cheaper with the local mechanics, but I would say the dealer has given you a fair price. It is a lot of work and you need some special tools for sure.
Here is a DIY link from Reddawnman. You might get an idea of how much work it is.
https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...t-diy-2-a.html

 
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Just want to post back to let everyone know that I took the '97 Civic to the dealer today for the timing belt change. Cost was $605 out the door and included timing belt, water pump, gallon of coolant, three accessory belts, and valve cover gasket. They did not replace the tensioner as they said they normally don't unless there is a problem with the old one. I had them give me the old timing belt and pump. the pump looked brand new while the timing belt had minimal wear but was not at all brittle for a 13 year old belt. Still I think money well spent. Will take the 2001 Civic in in a couple weeks.