Honda Repair: 1987 Cicic w/D15A2 engine woes..., engine woes, gauge reading

Question
Dear Mr. Carlson:
We have an up-to-recently good 1987 Civic 4dr, 4SP auto, with 1.5L, 2BBL, D15A2 engine in it. I just spent $300 having the alternator replaced because I couldn't get to it where it's mounted (between block and firewall). Now the damn thing has a loud rattle when it's cold that disappears after it warms all the way up. I suspect the water pump. Since I couldn't even see it, I bought a Haynes manual to find out where it is, and that it's inside the upper timing cover, driven by the timing belt! That means if the pump seizes we risk breaking a valve etc. My question is this: does it sound like it is indeed the water pump to you? And is it worth my time to attempt replacement myself? The rattle is somewhat random, although the frequency does increase with the engine speed. It all but disappears when the temp gauge reaches mid-dial, leading me to think that it is indeed the water pump. I am just asking for your opinion: do you think it's worth my time to remove the P/S and A/C belts to see if the rattle goes away? Listening carefully, it does indeed sound like the noise is coming from inside the timing cover. And the fact that the noise directly correlates to the temp gauge reading makes me believe that it is the pump. What would you do?
Many thanks, Ron Pohlmann, Seattle.


Answer
Ron, These are good questions, I would start by checking the belts as you suspected. Next if you don't have any water leaking I wouldn't suspect the water pump. The waterpump has a little peehole that leaks water when coming to the end. I'm not possitive older models all have this feature. I would say you are knowledgable enough to handle these dilemmas.Anything else you feel I could help you w/ I would be happy to. CC:)