getting a new water pump

**slacker** · 03-25-2009, 04:45 PM

Hi all,

The water pump on my 88 LX has recently started making weird noises so I will be getting it replaced soon. I bought the new part and it's ready to be installed.

The car has approximately 174,000 miles on it and I do not know if anything has ever been replaced other than the radiator and spark plug wires as I've just recently purchased it.

I was wondering if it would be a good idea to get the timing belt, tensioner, and accessory belts replaced, too, while I'm at it so I don't have to deal with it later.

Also, should I get it done myself or get someone to do it for $150? I've never done this before and I have no experience so I'm not sure how hard it is.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks all!

**Civic Accord Honda** · 03-25-2009, 04:49 PM

yeah i would recommend doing everything at once so you don't have to worry about it anymore.

and i think it would be a good learning experience for you to do it your self. but i would recommend downloading the manual and reading the process of doing it and then if u feel u cant do it then pay to have it done.

also when doing the timing belt it is about the same time u should adjust valves. this is very easy and you should be able to do it your self
heres a how to on that
https://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39319

if you dont have a feeler gauge you can pick one up from vatozone for around $6

**lostforawhile** · 03-25-2009, 04:56 PM

the water pump can be replaced without taking off the timing belt if needed. it's external not internal.

**BITESIZE** · 03-25-2009, 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by lostforawhile

the water pump can be replaced without taking off the timing belt if needed. it's external not internal.

Yep, it's not very difficult at all if you like working in confined areas.

**slacker** · 03-25-2009, 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by Civic Accord Honda

yeah i would recommend doing everything at once so you don't have to worry about it anymore.

and i think it would be a good learning experience for you to do it your self. but i would recommend downloading the manual and reading the process of doing it and then if u feel u cant do it then pay to have it done.

also when doing the timing belt it is about the same time u should adjust valves. this is very easy and you should be able to do it your self
heres a how to on that
https://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39319

if you dont have a feeler gauge you can pick one up from vatozone for around $6

Thanks CAH! Really.. There goes my weekend.. Lol. OK that's a 150 bucks I will save and spend on my new stereo

**cubert** · 03-25-2009, 04:59 PM

Yes..you should definitely do it all at once.

If you feel confident in giving it a shot, then do like CAH said and download the shop manual, and take your time.

**slacker** · 03-25-2009, 05:01 PM

Originally Posted by lostforawhile

the water pump can be replaced without taking off the timing belt if needed. it's external not internal.

should i leave the timing belt as it is then since it still has good tread on it and it doesn't look so worn out? that way i wouldn't have to deal with the tensioner, either

thanks for the quick responses, guys

**lostforawhile** · 03-25-2009, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by slacker

should i leave the timing belt as it is then since it still has good tread on it and it doesn't look so worn out? that way i wouldn't have to deal with the tensioner, either

thanks for the quick responses, guys

if you are going to replace it get a kit with a tensioner and belt, it's not that bad to do,there are a lot of good write ups on here and we will help you through it.

**slacker** · 03-25-2009, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by lostforawhile

if you are going to replace it get a kit with a tensioner and belt, it's not that bad to do,there are a lot of good write ups on here and we will help you through it.

yup.. already ordered a water pump, a timing belt, a tensioner, and an alternator belt. i should be getting them all by monday, the latest

thanks for the support!

**Civic Accord Honda** · 03-25-2009, 05:13 PM

Originally Posted by slacker

should i leave the timing belt as it is then since it still has good tread on it and it doesn't look so worn out? that way i wouldn't have to deal with the tensioner, either

thanks for the quick responses, guys

i would replace it just to be on safe side. its not very much and will save you a big headache later on if it decides it wants to snap one day in the middle of no where (and thats were they always decide to break

)

so yeah since your going to be working in that area it would be an excellent idea just to do it all at once

**Civic Accord Honda** · 03-25-2009, 05:14 PM

Originally Posted by slacker

yup.. already ordered a water pump, a timing belt, a tensioner, and an alternator belt. i should be getting them all by monday, the latest

thanks for the support!

thumbup:

**BITESIZE** · 03-25-2009, 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by Civic Accord Honda

i would replace it just to be on safe side. its not very much and will save you a big headache later on if it decides it wants to snap one day in the middle of no where (and thats were they always decide to break

)

so yeah since your going to be working in that area it would be an excellent idea just to do it all at once

It's a beautiful thing to see that you have grown up from a child to a man...brings a tear to my eye.

**cubert** · 03-25-2009, 05:36 PM