How hard to change clutch/water pump/time belt? - Honda Prelude Forum

red92s · 01-06-2002, 12:01 AM

I have a 92 S model (f22 engine) with about 97,xxx miles on it. I know the timing belt and water pump need to be replaced, and the clutch is starting to feel really loose as well (not sure how many miles are on it, could be original). How difficult, given the proper tools and resources (helms) would these projects be? Parts are very reasonably priced, but labor is outrageous (for a reason probably). I'm not a "mechanical dunce" or anything, but have never done anything like this. My auto maintanience experience is as follows:
-Valve adjustments
-stereo installation
-shock/spring replacement on Integra
-replaced alternator on GMC truck
-replaced shocks on truck
-helped swap GSR engine into civic hatchback
Do I risk seriously damaging any components doing this (yeah, I know. . .if I mess up the timing belt, it could get really ugly really fast). Any input/advice/warnings would be greatly appreciated.

OutlawLude · 01-06-2002, 07:06 AM

It's not EXTREMELY hard, but if you don't have everything perfect then you could really phuck things up fast!

Prelude_RCR · 01-06-2002, 10:52 AM

The hardest part is trying to figure out how things go back! That's where a Helm's manual comes in handy. You'll have to set the belt tensioners and route it correctly.

Also, just remember to set your cams at TDC. The Helm's will give you an exact procedure for everything.

Otherthanthat, it just takes time to make sure EVERY NUT AND BOLT is torqued correctly and everything else is followed to the letter! Your Helm's is your Bible.

CrazyKid · 01-06-2002, 04:48 PM

it shouldnt be too hard on a F22, thats a SOHC engine is it not? i looked at doing mine on my H23, but decided there was way to much damage casued by the belt breaking and took it to honda, who messedi t up even more... ( thats a long story ) ... so i swapped out to a H22.... whileo n this topic, anyoen know if the waterpmp & timming belt of a H23 will work on a H22??? that would be so sweet since the waterpump and timming blet only has 15km on it... since hte engien blew up donw the road from the dealer after they did the work.

thanks... have fun, get a helm manual and you should be good to go.. take your time.. too many people rush these jobs and end up wrecking things...

Bill

Prelude_RCR · 01-07-2002, 05:24 PM

As far as I know, I don't think the H23's water pump will work on the H22. But I know for a fact the timing belt won't work.

Hey, how much did you get your H22 for? And where from?

Swordfish · 01-07-2002, 05:45 PM

It should probably be somewhat hard for just the water pump. I'm not sure about everything else. I went to a place the other day who does auto work and they told me that they think my water pump or the case (?) is leaking, and that i would be an 87.00 part, but the labor of 5 hours (!!!) would make the entire price to be around $475.00! You've gotta figure that to be somewhat difficult of a job. I have a 1994 S, btw.

S/F

Prelude_RCR · 01-07-2002, 06:49 PM

DAMMMN!

I would look around first. You might as well replace the timing belt since you're down there anyways. Good luck in finding a better price for the job.

red92s · 01-07-2002, 11:13 PM

so if I have a helms, access to tools, the right parts, and friends (with additional experience), I should be able to get it done?

Absolut · 01-08-2002, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by red92s
so if I have a helms, access to tools, the right parts, and friends (with additional experience), I should be able to get it done?

Let me put it this way.
It took me about 2 hrs to change my timing belt and my engine was on a pallet on my garage floor and I had air tools.
Its not easy. It can be done, but they dont charge 5 hrs labor for nothing.

Its a pain in the ass, but it can be done.

'92Sigrl · 01-10-2002, 10:25 AM

I thought it was pretty hard! Is the S model and interference engine? i'd take it to Honda that way if something goes wrong the work is warrented. A friend of mine too his Maxima to some little shop that new nothing about it and they changed the timing but noe the serpentine and a month later his engine blew!

tony95pgt · 01-10-2002, 11:04 AM

it shouldn't be to hard for you.. just take your time. read the manual and feel comfortable with it before you start. if you take the timing belt off make sure neither the crank pulley nor the cam pulley moves and just put the new belt on.. if they move you'll have to set both to tdc and put the belt on. i've done quite a few timing belts it's not to hard.. that would be the best time to change the water pump as well. clutch isn't to hard..