I had my 2001 Accord EX in for the timing belt service yesterday (replace several belts, also replaced the water pump), and on my way to work this morning, the car started making a rattling noise and then died.

Had car towed back to the dealer that did the work, and I got a call that the timing belt tensioner failed. The service manager said that they would cover all costs, as well as a rental, but I don't really know what to ask about as far as the repair.

He said that he needs to send the head out for valve replacement. Does this mean anything for the long-term life of the engine? Is there anything else that I should make sure they check?

thanks in advance,
DJ

 

well for a valve replacement it seems like your timing belt snapped, or somehow the valves went smashing into the pistons. I dont think it will hurt and hell, might be kinda nice to get new valves in your car if it's free. From what I know, I'm pretty sure the valves can't do much damage to your pistons. The valves crush like a steamroller over a spoon.

 

nah, valves can't do any damage to a piston:




BUT if they're pulling the head they'll be able to see if there is damage or not. You're very lucky they are going to cover it, as it will not be a cheap repair.

 

lol.. woops. I guess one thing that might matter is what RPMS you were at once it snapped. Man if they mangled your pistons... that would be so shitty.

 

this looks more like they used a photoneurotronic hyper intensified laser beam.... instead of just valves

 

Make sure to keep all paperwork, if something else happens in the future make sure its not related...

 

yeah, if that's an accord how could it rock the piston that bad... expletive? I mean you see the 2 marks from the valves. What the hell is that explosion in the middle?
That doesnt look like it came from a simple timing belt slip...

 

dude those "two marks" are the valve reliefs on the piston. it's normal.

the "explosion" in the middle is the damage caused by the broken valve bouncing around in the combustion chamber. You can see the valve still sitting in the piston in that picture.

I posted that to illustrate that a valve will not "crush like a steamroller over a spoon" when it contacts a piston. Your block probably does not look like that. You hope. LOL!

 

lol yeah it doesn't, but I never knew it could be that destructive.

 

i put a vaule straight though the piston on my crx when the timing belts go on any over head cam its going to take some values if it.. u just better hope da pistons area ok cause that **** anit cheap

 

Document document document. The fact they're just sending the head out doesnt sound right since it there is typically piston damage from Tbelt failure. I would demand from them in writing that it was their fault and that there isn't piston or cylinder wall damage. IMHO I would demand a new head, not a rebuilt one. If the valve seats get damaged enough, no amount of regrinding will completetly fix it.

They will be very reluctant to replace pistons since it requires the entire bottom end to be removed.

I wouldnt want to be in your situation. Tbelt breaks usually leave lasting problems for the engine unless everything is replaced new. Luckily it did it right away and not two months from now.

Just remember they have you by the ***** because of the arbitration clause you signed...no taking anyone to court if it comes to that.


Modified by Burg at 3:34 PM 1/25/2007