94 HONDA CIVIC BAD TIMING BELT SYMPTOMS PROFESSIONAL

The part is inexpensive, but labor can be pricey. The solution is usually a timing belt replacement. If the belt breaks while driving, have the vehicle towed. If the timing belt breaks in your Honda, you’ll have to call a mechanic.

What Should I Do if My Honda Timing Belt Breaks? But if these parts are in good condition, you’ll need to have your Honda towed to a mechanic so they can address the problem. The cause could also be a dead battery, a bad alternator, or issues with the ignition switch. If your Honda won’t start, your timing belt is likely broken, and you need a new one.

94 HONDA CIVIC BAD TIMING BELT SYMPTOMS PROFESSIONAL

If your engine is misfiring, it’s highly recommended to take your Honda to a professional who can properly diagnose the issue. If a tooth is damaged, the belt can skip a tooth on the cam or crankshaft sprocket, causing the cylinders to operate incorrectly.Įngine parts that operate out of sync risk damaging other components, including the valves and pushrods. The belt synchronizes the camshaft to the crankshaft position. If your timing belt is too worn, your Honda won’t start properly. In some cases, the oil leak is directly tied to a worn timing belt that needs replacing. While you should prioritize the leak and cooling down your engine, you’ll also want to make sure your belt doesn’t break. The more the engine overheats, the more the timing belt wears. Oil Leaks Near the EngineĪn oil leak can stem from several problems, including a worn gasket, damaged seals, and a missing oil pan drain plug, all of which can lead to engine overheating. However, if new spark plugs don’t solve the problem, the next part to replace is likely your timing belt. Poor valve timing can also stem from bad spark plugs, so test (and replace) your plugs first. Valves that don’t open or close at the right time might cause increased vibrations in the engine. The solution might be a timing adjustment by a mechanic since the valves aren’t in sync. The engine works harder than usual, but because it can’t burn fuel properly, it emits excessive smoke. If the belt isn’t functioning as it should, it puts extra stress on the engine. Too Much SmokeĪn exhaust that expels excess smoke can stem from a worn timing belt. If you’re sure your oil is at a reasonable level, the pulleys controlling the belt may be worn, and you’ll need a mechanic to check them out. Insufficient oil pressure can cause your belt to loosen and eventually break. Ticking noises, in some instances, are due to low engine oil pressure. However, if the damage is gradual, you can look for a few specific signs that could indicate your timing belt is bad. You’ll often get no warning signs that your timing belt is damaged or failing. Unfortunately, timing belts typically fail at random (in most cases). The downside of high compression is that it pushes your piston up the cylinder, coming close to the valves and increasing the chances of a collision if your timing belt breaks. Your engine also breathes better because the valves open earlier, wider, and stay open longer. When the air/fuel mixture in your combustion chamber is compressed more, it increases power and efficiency.

Most modern vehicles have interference engines because they achieve higher compression ratios. However, if the belt breaks when the vehicle is not running, you will avoid this issue.Įngine damage from a broken timing belt can cost thousands of dollars to repair, which leads many to ask why Hondas don’t have non-interference engines. Moving pistons collide with the now stationary cylinder values, causing extensive damage. If your timing belt breaks, the synchronization of these parts is interrupted, and some parts continue to move while others cease to operate.

While the car is running, engine parts are in motion. Because most Hondas have interference engines, you may also have: When your timing belt breaks while driving, your engine stops working. What Happens When My Timing Belt Breaks While Driving? When the timing belt breaks, the engine fails, but there’s usually no additional damage.

In non-interference engines, however, pistons and valves don’t occupy the same space. The result is an engine with damaged valves, pistons, or cylinder heads/blocks. The crankshaft will keep rotating, inducing motion in the piston, potentially causing it to collide with open valves.Ĭars with interference engines (like Hondas) have pistons that occupy the same space as the open valves. The camshafts won’t turn, leaving the cylinder valves open. If the timing belt breaks, your Honda engine cannot operate. The timing belt keeps the camshaft and crankshaft synchronized so cylinder valves can open (and close) at the right time relative to the pistons’ position.Ĭylinder valves allow the engine to draw in air (or air mixed with fuel) and expel exhaust. A timing belt is a toothed rubber belt that links the camshaft or camshafts to the engine crankshaft.

94 honda civic bad timing belt symptoms