I need to know if the valves can be hit by the pistons when you fail a timing belt? Would you assume the pistons made contact??

94 Civic LX

 

yes Honda engines are whats called interference engines so if your timing belt slips or breaks you run a high chance of the pistons smacking the bejesus out of the valves.

 

To test for engine damage, reinstall a new timing belt and then compression test all four cylinders (see DIY compression test link in my signature). Good luck.

 

Thanks guys, I will replace the belt and test. Would you also replace the water pump with the belt?

 

It's recommended that you change the timing belt, tensioner set, water pump, and thermostat at about 100,000 mile intervals.

 

Investment in a new water pump and tensioner should await determination that the engine sustained no damage.

 

^ of course

 

Good suggestion on the tensioner.

Now my next problem. The crank pulley bolt will not release. Can I use heat on it?? I am leaving it in gear and using the drive train to hold the engine so I have very little leverage. Is there some means of immobilizing the engine? I can find no mention of an immobilizer in the service manual.

 

you need the honda pulley removal tool like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RE-pzP8g_x4

 

That would be a no go on mine as it does not have the hex on the inside of the pulley