My son has a 1993 Honda Del Sol 1.6 eng, his timing belt broke when he was driving it about 30mph. It that engine a zero tolerance engine?

 

It is said to be interference, but the vast anecdotal data is that Honda valves are not always damaged when a TB breaks. Your son is going to have to put a new belt on it per the shop manual instructions and so properly timed, and turn then engine over by hand to see, feeling for impediments to turning the crank.

I have not seen a really good theory on why damage does not always occur. While driving, the engine is moving at high RPM. The valves stop moving as soon as a TB breaks, but the crankshaft does not. So one would think damage was guaranteed. I figure the valve reliefs (the indents on top of most or all Honda pistons to give some wiggle room for some conditions, if I understand the purpose of "valve reliefs" correctly) may help.

 

As mentioned, put on a new properly timed timing belt and then compression test the cylinders. Good luck.

 

Ok thanks, we got the engine apart and a new timing belt, but not back togather yet.


Will get the new belt on and check for compression .....