We just purchased a 93 Civic LX with engine problems. The previous owner stated the car just quit. He had it diagnosed as a head problem. I have a sneaking suspicion that the timing belt broke. The car is being delivered from out of state and we won't see it for a couple of weeks, so we have time to research.

If the belt has broken, will it destroy the valves when contacting the pistons (if this is possible)? We made the purchase knowing the engine had issues, and are prepared to swap if necessary. Is it possible, if the belt broke, that we will be able to replace the belt and not have other issues?

This is our first Honda (oldest boy's first car). We have the facilities to do the fix, but don't have the experience working on them (yet).

Any input is appreciated.

 

it might be possible that you have bent valves if the belt broke. I would check the valves and make sure they are not bent, and if they are ok then you can just put a new belt. If you put a belt before you check the valves then it may miss really bad due to bent valves. So I would do it right the first time instead of having to take it apart again.

 

to put on a new timing belt is easy. put the belt on make sure all the marks are lined up. then go and do a leak down test on the motor. if you have a high percentage of leakage in any of the cylinders, then most likely it has some bent valves. but if all of them have good readings, you should be okay to drive it. and change the water pump while you are at it.


i seen this happen before and the engine was still good after the timing belt broke. its gonna cost you more to pull the head off and check for bent valves. thast the process i would go through to check