TomCat39

These older motors spin counter clockwise and is an interference motor with sometimes only .001" space between an open valve and the piston. The tension on the timing belt is designed for that direction. Going clockwise can cause the belt to be at less tension which in turn could cause the mechanical timing to shift enough that you don't have the .001" clearance and end up kissing a valve against the piston.

Granted you are only hand turning the motor but it's best to not even allow that as a possibility.

In later motors (K24 I think) Honda reverted to a clockwise turning motor.

brians356

Good to know, thanks!

Also means I should change the timing belt on my '92 Civic VX (1.5L), in service an unknown number of miles. Sounds like a belt break could be catastrophic.

jDmgIrlsb20

My car, drove perfectly fine with no problems at all. Drove it about 15 min down the road and shut it off for maybe 5 min. Went to turn it back on and it just cranked and cranked and wouldn't start.
I tried to pop start it and it did something really strange, like almost tried to start but didn't, not sure how to explain what it did. Almost like puffing.
Tried jump starting it and still only cranked and didn't start.
So i added oil just to be safe.
I can hear the fuel pump prime, but it doesn't seem like it is getting fuel.
I say this because when we tried using starter fluid, it tried to start (puffing and sputtering) and then shut right back off instantly. Almost as if it was not getting fuel to stay running.
I understand this may be a stupid question, does anyone have any ideas because i am being told it is the fuel pump, but if i can hear that prime is that possible?
Thanks

Former User

^Please create your own thread.