well, as a follow up to my previous post about leaking coolant in my 95 Accord EX, found here...

https://www.honda-acura.net/forums/s...d.php?t=244068

I have since taken it to a local mechanic that my family uses, he told me that I will need to have my water pump replaced and also my timiming belt (he said they normally just replace that since it needs to be taken off anyways). I was quoted $450-$500 for the job.

My question is, can I do this myself? Are there any special tools involved? If so, my AutoZone rents tools, could I get it from them and successfully complete this job?

Thanks for any input!

 

Are you mechanically inclined? If so, then it's a pretty easy job. If not, leave it to a professional since it will be cheaper in the long run.

In addition to the timing belt, you should be changing all drive belts, the camshaft seal and the countershaft seal. You should also check the tensioners out and verify that the car has a countershaft seal retainer.

 

If you do it, get a Chiltons or Hayes manual. They are pretty helpful. I decided to shop around the dealers instead and fork out the cash. The nature of the job is such that it is kind of easy to screw up and damage your engine if you don't do it exactly right, that is, lining up everything correctly when putting the new timing belt back on. It will cost you $500-$700 at the dealers for the job (or more depending on your location, shop around) but they will guarentee that work for the interval on the timing belt and all the other stuff mentioned above that they will replace. But if you decide to do it, take you time and do a good job and follow the instructions to the tee.