MICHAEL AKA MOE

I HAVE A 2001 HONDA CIVIC WITH A 1.7L ENGINE(D17A1). THE TIMING BELT WENT OUT IN IT AND THE OWNER OF THE CAR KEPT ON TRYING TO START IT AFTER IT WENT OUT AND I HEARD IF THAT HAPPENS THEN WE WOULD HAVE TO DO A HEAD SWAP AND WHO KNOWS WHAT ELSE. MY QUESTION IS WHAT SHOULD I DO? AND WHAT WOULD I HAVE TO DO TO DO A NON VTEC TO A VTEC SWAP?
THANKS,
MICHAEL


AND SORRY FOR THE CAPS LOCK ON IT STUCK TRYING TO FIX IT

toyomatt84

iTrader: (1)

If the timing belt snapped, you're most likely going to have internal damage (due to the fact that its an interference engine). You can try to pull the spark plugs out, just to see if there is any damage (or remove the head all together, since you have to replace the timing belt anyways).

As for the VTEC engine swap, see the FAQ's. Its covered in there.

MICHAEL AKA MOE

what actully happened was it stripped the teeth off of the belt. we changed the timing belt not knowing at the time that they had tried to start it prior to and tried and nothing. what kind of internal damage do you think was done? would we be able to do a head swap and be good or would it be better to do a complet engine swap?

It Wasn't Me

You're at least going to have valve damage (bent) and probably some noticeable damage to the piston. You're in for a head rebuild.

The piston is usually okay to reuse, no need to replace it.


You're going to have to take it apart and look to know the true extent of the damages.

toyomatt84

iTrader: (1)

A stripped timing belt can do the exact same amount of damage as a snapped one. Your best bet is to get the head off of the engine and do some investigation. I cannot simply "guess" what has happened.

Cost wise, its going to be cheaper to just get a non-VTEC head and swap it on... but who knows if you have any damage to the piston tops? If a valve smashed the heck out of one of your pistons, you'd have to replace the piston set.

MICHAEL AKA MOE

ok thank you for the tips i will get the head off today or so and see whats up. does anyone know where i could pick up a head for a d17a1 at?

It Wasn't Me

car-part.com, craigslist, local classifieds and wrecking yards, etc.



You might want to check the Marketplace, too. http://www.hondamarketplace.com/

You can't make a thread in there yet, but you can browse and leave posts.



We have a For Sale / Want to Buy thread, but there are no heads in it.

MICHAEL AKA MOE

whats the difference between the d17 head and d16 head?

toyomatt84

iTrader: (1)

Quite a lot, to be honest. But, in summary, enough to make them a non-option for your D17.

manuelv315

i Have an extra D17a2 vtec motor if your intrested.

manuelv315

But if i were you i Would re-time crankshaft and camshaft and reinstall belt and see what happens. Usually engine damage occurs when your engine is running and belt goes or teeth. i have installed several timing belts on muiltiple cars that the same problem happened and ran just fine after installing a new belt. worst case it is damaged and then u can tear into it.