I need a diagram or instructions on how to set the timing belt on a 96 honda civic ex 1.6L sohc

VERY DETAILED HONDA CIVIC TIMING BELT CHANGE REPLACEMENT FOR ALL 1996 2000...

Try this video:

Which Civic model: DX,CX,HX,EX,GX..........
Which engine; SOHC MFI, VTEC-E MFI, CNG.......

There is always some piece of vehicle information people fail to provide us when requesting help.
Please be more specific folks and providfe all the information possible on your vehicles.

look up the manual online it should have a diagram. Thats how i did it when i changed the timing belt on my H22 should be easier too with sohc.

I sure would. Some of those engines can destroy themselves when the timing belt breaks.

The 96-98 Civic EX came with an OBD2A D16Y8 engine. That is the only engine that will go in as a direct replacement with your current engine ECU. It's an SOHC VTEC engine that has two extra connections not found on the other 96-98 Civic engines - a VTEC solenoid and a special oil sensor used to determine if VTEC engagement is possible. If you swap in an older Civic engine (92-95 generation) you'll have to convert the car to OBD1 (requires a special adapter hardness) and run the ECU that goes with whatever engine you use. This will break functionality of your OBD2 diagnostics port, and depending on which state you live in will cause you to fail emissions checks. If you install a D16Y8 engine from a 99-00 Civic EX, you will have to swap the intake and exhaust manifolds from your old engine to the new engine, and you will be able to continue to run your existing OBD2A wiring and ECU. The 99-00 Civic EX engines have additional sensors, since those engines are OBD2B. The easiest fix would be to find a SOHC VTEC D16Y8 from a 96-98 Civic EX, as it would be a direct plug and play replacement.

there is a timing mark on the timing cover that lines up with the mark on the crank pulley (i believe the mark is above the white dot on the crank) then on the 2 gears up top, there are lines that should line up horizontally with the top of the timing cover.

it could help to know what fuse is blowing to what and what you are doing at the time it blows it could be it isn't a large enough fuse the wire is shorting or or the wire caring isn't large enough 4 the load? need more info unless this helps!

FIRST:
Click on the following free direct Link. It has the Serpentine Belt Diagram and Tensioner location for your specific 1.5L or 1.6L Engine and options (AC/No AC etc.).
It also has the directional diagrams on how to rotate the Adjustment Bolts on both the Alternator and Power Steering to loosen the belts, inorder to both remove and reinstall the belts.
http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/year/1991/make/honda/model/civic/1991_honda_civic_drive_belt_routing_diagram.htm
SECOND:
Click on the following free direct Link. It has the Timing: Belt and Mark Diagrams for your 1991 Honda Civic. Plus additional Instructional and Directional Diagrams.
http://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_information/year/1991/make/honda/model/civic/1991_honda_civic_timing_belt_diagram_marks.htm

I would also strongly suggest purchasing either a Haynes or Chilton Manual, available at most auto parts stores. It has specific information you will need incuding the Torque Specifications for each and every Bolt and Nut you will be removing. Cost is $20-$25 fo the manuals.

Let me know if this helped, or if you have additional information or questions. Feel Free to contact me at FixYa.com!

hope this helps!