Rep Power: 0

I've got an 02 Civic EX with 170,000 miles on it. I'm guessing it seriously needs a timing belt. Was talking a my local shade tree mechanic about it, and he said a guy he knows has a quick way to replave it.

He pulls everything off so he can get to the timing belt cover, and then removes the cover.

He takes a razor blade, and splits the timing belt in half, so the pulley/gears have enough room on them to start the new belt. He gets it started well, then cuts the back portion of the old belt off, so that the new one slides on all the way.

Anybody else heard of this? Tried it?

 
Rep Power: 312

Pretty smart but I wouldnt do it... I dont understand why youd even bother doing that because your already more than halfway to replacing the belt anyway. You cant put the new belt on until you remove the side motor mount. You still need to remove the valve cover and timing belt covers. You might as well just do it properly and replace your tensioner and check your water pump while your at it. Though I have to admit it's pretty creative I wonder how hard of a time he has getting the new belt all the way on when he cuts the old one off. There is a lot of tension trying to push that belt on would be a PITA.

 
Rep Power: 216

I agree with tbohar. Although creative, the timing belt, water pump, drive belts, tensioner, and valve cover gasket are usually replaced when doing the service. Better to do it right and have all that stuff taken care of all at once when it should be replaced. If the WP goes, they're gonna be basically doing the same job to get to it.

 
Rep Power: 188

Never heard of that....dont even think its possible...though it works for a motorcycle chain replacement...because the chain has a link
A timing belt is not something to half azz to save a few dollars, and like the others said, you already got things off, might as well do it right. It aint all that hard.

 
Rep Power: 284

In addition to what everyone else has said, don't half *** timing belts, because if they fail you'll need a new engine.