is the 1.8 an interference engine?

[brian 1.8]

Just wanted to know. This means that if the timing belt snaps, the pistons hit the valves. thanks!

 

[dTERM]

Yes it is.

 

[brian 1.8]

Thanks! I guess i better get on that timing belt!!

 

[GeneW]

"With the exception of the 1.8L NT engine, DSM engines are of the 'interference' style. This means that the pistons and valves occupy the same space, but not at the same time. This type of engine design might seem stupid, but is done for many reasons. (1.8L owners please note that you are not necessarily immune to these problems - keep reading."
Quote from DSM.org

 

[brian 1.8]

Now i am confused. Will the pistons hit the valves or not?

 

[KenTSIII]

No the 1.8 is a SOHC & is not an interfearance engine.. if the Tbelt breaks it won't bend the valves like on a 2.0 DOHC. I guess theoretically it could damage the valves given certain variables..

 

[dTERM]

Well, I guess the repair tech was lying to me...I briefly owned a 92 1.8 talon...and they swore up and down that my valves were destroyed when my t-belt broke, caused me to sell the car.

 

[brian 1.8]

hmmmm many different answers.........

 

[diamondstar36]

Well Brian, I tell you what. You'll be our test subject. Saw thru 7/8ths of your timing belt and go do some hard driving. Lets get this settled. just kidding. SOHC motors will not bent valves unless there is damage to the piston, causing some type of pressure change. As for the pistons actually "hitting" the valves, it shouldn't happen.

 

[brian 1.8]

so basically its ok for me to keep driving on my timing belt with 100,000 miles on it, and not worry about it breaking. I know i can change it, but i don't have much time, and if nothing happens when it breaks, who cares!! I'll just change it then! Its not too difficult for our cars right?

 

[diamondstar36]

I don't have a clue on the 1.8.. I know on my 2L turbo it was easy to change the actual belt, but getting to it was a pain in the ass.. that timing belt cover was NOT ment to come off while the motor was still in the car. I still have battle scars all over my hands from that one. What sucked the most is I had to do it twice in one weekend.. The crankshaft seal decided to start pouring out oil.

While you may not bend a valve by breaking a timing belt, I dunno that I would just let it go until it breaks.. I wouldn't want to be stranded somewhere because of something I could prevent by taking a few hours out of my weekend.