I just picked up a 99 Civic ex automatic with 188k miles for $400. Before I get to my question/s let me tell you the story. The lady bought this car from her brother in law so that her 20 year old daughter would have a car. The daughter was driving it and it died and would not restart. They towed it to the family mechanic (who I personally spoke to) who said that he spent very little time on it because when he tried to start it he said it sounded funny. He did a compression test and said the results were bad in a couple cylinders (I didn't listen to clearly at this point). So he immediately assumed the timing belt skipped a tooth (without visibly checking) and called the lady saying the engine was bad (which is where I am skeptical). My personal guess is that he is right that the belt skipped a tooth but would the compression be accurate when the engine is not in time? I plan on doing a timing belt water pump swap getting it back to TDC. Even if it ends up needing a motor I can reuse the new timing belt and water pump so it seems like a good place to start unless you all think the engine or just the head is bad.

Question: Do you think I'm on the right track? if not then what are your thoughts?

 

Check the timing first

 

what he said make sure timing mark line up first.

 

I think you're on the right track and like these ^ guys said check the timing first.

EDIT:The smart thing to do after a belt has skipped teeth is to replace the belt.

But...you don't need to tear the engine apart to reset the timing. If you remove the accessory belts and the valve cover (and maybe the upper timing cover, can't quite remember) and un-tension the T-belt pulley there is enough wiggle room to rest the timing and put the belt back on correctly.

 

Awesome, thx guys ill try to keep you posted on results