How to set timing on a 94 honda civic?

94 Honda Civic EX how long do the timing belts normally last ?

• How difficult to replace timing belt ? Do you normally replace water pump at the same time ? Any other advice will be appreciated.

• Answer:

  It's not difficult if you have all the tools (changing the Clutch disc is much more difficult). I recommend getting a Honda Civic service manual (offical Honda) to get better details on what needs to be done. Generally, you'll need to lift the front left side of your car, secure it onto stands, and remove the wheel. Then you'll need to remove your power steering pump and alternator to remove the power steering belt and alternator belt (a/c pump and a/c belt if present) Then you can lift your engine valve cover slightly to remove the top timing belt cover. Then you'll need a 50mm crankpulley tool (with breaker bar) to adjust the marking on the camshaft pulley (top pulley) to top dead center (TDC). You'll also need it to hold that position while you use an air impact gun to remove the crankshaft (bottom pulley) pulley bolt. Once removed you can remove the crankshaft pulley and the bottom timing belt cover. By this time you'll have access to the timing belt, tensioner, and water pump. I paid about $30 for the timing belt, $50 for the tensioner, and $30 for the water pump from the local auto parts store. That was just $110 to change my timing belt, tensioner, and pump last week compared to $700+ shops/dealers charge. If you think this is alot of work to have to go through to get to the water pump, then you should replace your water pump as well. You might consider changing your timing belt tensioner also. Lining up all the markings when putting on your new timing belt is critical and so is getting the right tension on your timing belt and other belts; too tight can cause them to wear out faster while too loose is also obviously not good either. Good luck!