2001 Honda Civic Timing belt broken

Tiny
JULIEJOHNSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 125,000 MILES
I have a 2001 Honda Civic EX with a VTEC engine. My husband was exiting off the interstate and the engine stopped. He did not hear a sound and the electrical systems were all working. I have had many cars over the years that I did not maintain, and I may not know how to fix a car-but I can diagnose many problems. I knew it was the timing belt and my friend, a mechanic, was in town for a few days and confirmed this for me. All hondas are interference engines, I know, but the research I have done on my particular model was promising. It said most of the time it turns out okay, no bent valves. I am so worried about this car because it is the first car I have taken care of properly. I bought it used and haven't had it very long so I overlooked the timing belt. I am a woman and many mechanics will jump at the chance to take advantage. From your experience, was my research correct? (If it matters-we did take off the head and look at the valves, there was no obvious damage) And how can I have the mechanic prove that my compression is off if he says I need to get my valves done? I wouldn't know how to read the meter he uses, but I want proof. This car is my baby. Please help, thank you.
Friday, October 17th, 2008 AT 2:23 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi juliejohnson,

Initial test could be carried out by checking the valve clearances. If none is excessively large, the valves should be ok. Depending on engine rpm when the belt broke, the valves sometimes are not affected.

Compression test needs to be done with the timing belt installed, so after installation, you might as well start the engine to confirm it is ok. Compression pressure should be more than 135 psi for all cylinders if there is no leakage.

If you had taken off the valves, it would be easy to test the valves. Pour some gas into the manifolds and any leakages would be easily detected. Of course the camcarrier have to be removed.
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Friday, October 17th, 2008 AT 2:48 PM

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