I'm a student with no cash. I've got a 90 Civic Si with 188,000 miles and I know the timing belt needs to be replaced but I can't afford it. Does any one know if this model is interference type or a freewheeling type, or how I can find out. I'm not that worried about getting stranded if it breaks but if its going to ruin the engine if it breaks that's another matter.

Thanks

Mike

Im not sure about the Civic but most engines are the interference type (ie valves hit valves/pistons etc) so I would approach the problem that way.
Are you sure it needs replacing? It has to be done roughly every 60,000 miles, but if there's no signs of it needing doing you'll probably get another 10,000 out of it.
When was it last done? Maybe it was posponed last time & was done on 140,000?

The only engine listed in the gates spec book for 1990 is a 2.2 sohc engine and it is an interferience engine so if the belt lets go the valves hit the pistons.