Comments on: 1997 Honda Civic EX Timing Belt Replacement

By: Jeff Williams

Jeff Williams — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:34:46 +0000

Hi Joe they make a special lock down tool to hold the vibrational dampner while take the bolt out. A 1/2 drive impact will work too . Jeff

By: Joe

Joe — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:28:39 +0000

I just recently had the timing belt changed on my Honda and the mechanic had hell removing the crankshaft bolt. Any tips on how to remove the bolt?

By: Martin

Martin — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 20:02:10 +0000

I’m not sure where to get a kit like the Meyers one (I live in Dallas). I found one on ebay( http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Civic-1-6L-Complete-Timing-Belt-Water-Pump-Kit-97-00-/270750507670?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1997|Make%3AHonda&hash=item3f09fce296) but it’s OEM Spec Thanks.

By: Jeff Williams

Jeff Williams — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 22:56:34 +0000

Hi Jonathan, The marks are on the cam shaft pulley and backing plate along with the crankshaft pulley with an arrow on the block. Please refer to a repair manual for the exact procedure as to the fact that you are dealing with a Non Interference engine and if the timing is not set right you could damage the engine. Jeff ( Please don’t forget to C-L-I-C-K on all the A-D-S-B-Y-G-O-O-G-L-E as this is how we keep this web site running. Jeff )

By: jonathan

jonathan — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 23:30:26 +0000

Hey what does timing set on a 1997 Honda civic ex 1.6 2door I’m changing my belt send pics or something to show me a diagram in the marks or something

By: Jarek

Jarek — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 01:20:10 +0000

thank you for this post i found it very helpfull for me to time my car as i am changing the head an your post gave me what i needed

By: Jeff Williams

Jeff Williams — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 22:34:38 +0000

Hi Carla, did the previous mechanic scan for codes. Even if the check engine light is off you can still have ” soft ” codes stored. The first thing I would check id the IAC valve, responsible for controlling the idle. I would start with that and check for vacuum leaks of any kind after that. Check the brake boost for vacuum leaks as well. Jeff

By: Carla Chang

Carla Chang — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 18:46:28 +0000

Problem: RPM increase in stop-n-go traffic (warm days)
Car: 1997 Honda Civic LX; 4 cyl; Front Wheel Drive; 5 Speed Manual; 172000 miles

I have been experiencing problems with my RPMs. It has happened twice: Last summer, it stalled in stop-n-go traffic after being stuck in traffic for a few hrs, as it reved up over 5,000 continuously..then died. Mechanic replaced timing belt. This summer, again few hrs in stop-n-go traffic, car started reving up over 4,000 continuously…then died. Mechanic replaced ignition coil. A wk later, in also stop-n-go hot traffic, it started reving over 2,000. This time, I was in stop-n-go traffic only for an hr or so. Once car was cruising it seemed fine, rpm back to normal.

I found that keeping it out of neutral, in gear, while the clutch wasn’t completely depressed helped. AC off. The reason I am asking today, is because I will be making a 300 mile trip soon. Any ideas on how to fix this? I found posts that were similar, but really can’t afford to invest hundreds of dollars fixing countless things if nothing works.

Thanks for your time!

By: Jeff Williams

Jeff Williams — Mon, 23 May 2011 16:25:04 +0000

Hi Dave, check the heat shields for the source of the rattle. Also if it is the cat then it can be checked be gently tapping it with a rubber mallet to see if the ceramic grid has broken free. Jeff

By: Dave Brown

Dave Brown — Mon, 23 May 2011 01:38:48 +0000

Hi Jeff,
My son just recently had a timining belt changed on his 97 Honda Civic DX 1.6 and now there is a continuous rattle at the front of the engine at all rpm. The local shop where he had it changed is saying the rattle is being caused by the catalytic converter? When he took it in, there was no rattle. Would appreciate any help.