Honda Civic Distributor and Timing Belt replacement?

Q

Qryus

New member
My Honda Civic (96) cranks but engine won't start. I had it checked at 2 repair shops, both said I probably had to replace the distributor and timing belt and quoted $850 to fix it. I checked on ebay, I could buy both parts (used) for as low as $90.. and they seem small enough that I can replace them myself. Obviously, I've never done it before, but are these parts easy to replace? I also have a feeling that I can get it going with only replacing the distributor. It's an old car, I can't spend $1K on it. Please advise. Thanks.
I will hold off on the timing belt if I can get it going again with just replacing the distributor. I bought the car at 40K miles and now have 110K miles on it. How much margin do I have before the belt breaks? I will likely trade it in for a new car in the coming month, if I can just get it going again.

Also, how many hours labor would it cost to replace the distributor?

Thanks again
 
You probably don't need a new distributor. Buy a can of CRC CHLORINATED brake cleaner. Remove your distributor cap, and clean all the excess oil from the inside of the distributor. "Regular" oil use causes a breakdown of the seal between the engine and the distributor base. When the oil collects inside, it shorts things out. JUST clean it. Cost,$5-7. Unfortunately, Honda engines are mostly interference fit engines. This means that if your timing belt breaks BEFORE it gets replaced, pistons and valves try to occupy the same space at the same time. This spells disaster, and expensive gasket and valve replacement. if you can't afford a new timing belt NOW, how will you be able to afford the extra cost later?!?!?! With a few hand tools, a Haynes manual, and a genuine HONDA belt and pulley, you can do this job yourself. Or, use the ALLDATA data base at many libraries. Or, go to Honda and buy their timing belt kit (some include a new water pump), and then go to a shop when you can agree upon a suitable price. NEVER buy a used belt!!!! Good luck!!
 
Not easy to access.
Need a special removal tool to remove the crankshaft pulley bolt and its a mutha to remove.
Not a diy friendly job at all
 
Take my advice and don't buy a distributor on Ebay. You'll regret it. Buy one from http://www.autozone.com so you can bring it back to one of their stores if it doesn't work. http://www.partsamerica.com is Advance Auto Also http://www.napaonline.com sells quality parts. But it will cost $300. Never crank the engine with the spark plug wires and distributor wire to the ignition coil disconnected or you can blow out the new ignitor (ignition module) in the new distributor and the ignition coil as well.
 
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