timing belt replacement- due to time, not damage

[vampyrekillerprime]

So I'm at 112K+ miles, time to do the belt and water pump. I'm a aircraft mechanic by trade and have no problem around tools. I'm also good with my truck, but haven't had a need to tool around too much on my '03 Civic. I have the 1.7L SOHC/manual 5 speed in there BTW.

Here's my questions:

Both Chiltons and Haynes refer to pulling the motor mounts, but then never refer to lowering the engine. I'm assuming that is why you are supposed to do it, but neither book says specifically.

Second, I'm supposed to pull the crankshaft pulley to change the belt. I can understand a need to get that off in order to have enough slack in the belt of get it off of all the necessary components. However, I'm also removing and replacing the water pump at the same time. Would pulling the water pump give me enough slack to where I don't have to remove the pulley? Just curious.

I don't usually deviate from technical procedure, but I don't like wasting my time doing unnecessary work either.

Thanks for any help.

[vampyrekillerprime]

I think I may have finally found the answers to my questions. It appears the motor mount is removed not to move the engine, but is necessary to get the timing belt cover off. Likewise, the same for the crankshaft pulley. Ah well, guess if there was an easier way someone long before me would have found it.