Ok.. I am pretty sure my timing belt snapped while i was coasting into the gas station. I was idling in nuetral when my car just died.
I went to crank it and I just heard fast spinning.. The car wasn't turning over a bit.

I have a few questions. What exactly should I do.
I have about 300 bux on me to take it to the shop. But im guessing it will cost a little more.

I could put the belt on myself but I don't know how to time it or anything. And I am hoping the water pump isn't fauled.. and hoping
the rods are all fine.. But im expecting the worse.

Should I put the belt on and let him time it and put in new rods etc etc.. and maybe the waterpump..
Or should I let him do it all?

And is there a way I can tell the rods are fine before I take it.. Maybe taking the valve covers off and checking them that way?? So I don't get cheated out of some money if I can help it...

I just want the absolute cheapest way of doing this.. Any suggestions?? Thanks

-oobi-

 

year and model?

 

Take it apart and make sure that is what actually broke before you jump to any conclusions.

 

Take the oil cap off and look in while cranking. You should see the rocker arms going up and down. If they don't move that confirms there's a problem with the timing belt. You can also take the dizzy cap off and see if the rotor turns.

Doing the labor yourself, try putting a new belt on (check that water pump isn't seized and replace if necessary) and see if it runs. All you have to do to get it in time is line up the marks. There's likely to be internal engine damage but sometimes there's not. If a shop is doing the labor, have them do a leakdown test to see if the valves are OK before replacing the timing belt.

 

And if it doesn't, then... it doesn't necessarily mean it's the timing belt. Maybe the screw just fell out of the rotor? Happened to me last week. THat will keep your car from running for sure [8D]

 

1993 CX with a D15B7

 

when a timing belt breaks, your valves are in danger, not your rods unless you are really hammering those valves at high RPM when it happens. timing belts rarely break at idle though, they like to break under load. I dont suspect the belt, you can do the test that mk suggested, and if you do see the rocker arms moving, then proceed to check for fuel (honda main fuel relays like to take a crap at all the most inoppertune times) compression and spark. unless you have the resources and are mechanicaly inclinned, i suggest taking it to someone to diagnose your problem. do not start throwing parts at it because your friends brothers girlfriends car once had that problem.

 

not trying to thread jack or anything but how loose can the belt be before it does any damage cause my car wont start either now and im thinking its cause i have about half an inch of play on both sides of the belt and maybe thats why.

 

but how do you explain the fast spinning sound.. when i try to start it.. its not turning over...

what could that possibly be? couldn't be fuel related...

 

Look if the pulley on the left end of the engine, with the belts that turn the alternator, etc. turns when you try to start it. If not, but you hear a spinning noise fron the starter, it is a bad starter or maybe a broken tooth on the flywheel. Remove the starter to inspect the gear teeth. Also if it is a manual transmission and the only problem is just the starter not turning the engine you should be able to roll-start it.

If the crankshaft does turn but the engine sounds different it could be the cam is not turning due to a bad timing belt, look at the rocker arms to confirm.