Timing Belt

[bejoykr]

I bought my 97 Civic two years ago with 110k on it. Not sure if the timing belt was replaced. Is there a way to find if it has been changed? or the water pump?

[240slider]

when in doubt change it and start fresh.and check the condition of the drive belts.

[alfonso2501]

Yeah, I'd assume it wasn't.

[jclark]

Unless you can track down the previous owner to ask, or
do a carfax and it shows up there, consider it "unchanged"

[bejoykr]

Ok, thnx for all the replies.

What's the average rate for this?

[titantn24]

A dealer can charge upwards of $600 for just the timing belt and water pump alone. I did mine myself and also changed the spark plugs, plug wires, etc. for under $300. Plus I learned a thing or two I didn't know before, so it was worth the work. You may be able to find an independent shop that will do it for $450+. It just depends on how much you can spend and if you are comfortable doing it yourself or not. If you decide to do it yourself, I can tell you where to get the best price on genuine Honda parts that I used. Good luck.

[bejoykr]

Even tho, I would like to do it myself, I don't have enough equipment and expertise for such a job. I checked with a local honda specialist shop and they are charging only 450 vs dealer, who quoted 750. So will go with the local shop.

[titantn24]

Ask this shop you are thinking of using if they use genuine Honda parts. There IS a difference. They may tell you they use OEM equivalent parts, but they are not anywhere near the quality. If you are going to spend the money, be sure it's done right. What's the point in having an inferior belt and water pump put on, only to have them fail and leave your engine destroyed? Just something to think about. It's good that you've called around for the best price, but price is only part of the equation. You don't really have to have much equipment to do this. A few sockets, a wrench or two, and lots of patience. An air compressor and air tools make the job easier, but aren't required. Hope all goes well.

[bejoykr]

I checked with the shop and others who have used them and confirmed that they only use OEM parts.

Thanx for the adivce.