I need info about timing belt on 91 civic

I just bought a 91 Civic hatchback with the (16 valve 4 cylinder engine) for better gas mileage. It's been great and still is. But, my dad keeps telling me horror stories about the timing belts on these motors breaking and then screwing up the entire engine. Is this true? If so, is there some way to know that you need to change the timing belt? Do I judge by miles? Mine's got 133,000 right now and I have no idea when it was last changed. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

typically you change a t-belt every 90,000 kilometers (about 55000 miles)or so. you can take off your valve cover and unscrew the timeing belt cover to look at it. look for cracks starting around the edges and on the ribs. but i've seen them break even when they look new, sooooo.... When you buy a car its a good thing to change the timeing belt just to be safe.

Every 90,000 miles not 55,000 miles. Go by mileage not looks unless it's obvious a new belt is needed.

Yes it's true major damage can be done if it lets go at high rpm. The valves and pistons make contact which is not a good thing.

Your car is about the easiest timing belt to do with any mechanical knowledge. If you've never done it before I highly recommend having a repair manual by your side.

While the belt is being changed replacing the water pump is a good idea since it's driven by the t/belt and it's all taken apart.

www.helminc.com for Honda repair manauls

Also get a new tensioner when you do it.