Chewed Timing Belt

[endlessMyk]

So after changing the head gasket and all that fun stuff After driving the car around for about 2 hours (total, not all at the same time) it just died as I was coming to a stop (wasn't even getting on it). Popped the hood and could smell a bad belt. Pulled off the cover and my timing belt was only about half as thick as it should be the teeth were still the whole way across, except for one or two, the backing was gone though. The belt was still on, there was still tension, best route would be to do a compression test, right? If I understand that would tell me if the valves are shot or what. Since the belt was actually still on, and didn't snap apart, do you guys thik there's a better chance my baby is ok? I know I'm gonna have to have it checked and everything, but this happened the day I was leaving PA for New york, so right now it's sitting back there and I'm a nice distance away from it and it's clawing at my brain every day... I miss it sooooo much, and there's nothing but Civics up here...

oh yeah, and best way to check for bent valves?

 

[luv2rallye]

Since the belt was actually still on, and didn't snap apart, do you guys thik there's a better chance my baby is ok?

Not good, it may have slipped or jumped teeth - prepare for the worst

oh yeah, and best way to check for bent valves?

Compression = 0 (0 can also be caused by hole in piston). Bent valves don't close completely so if you remove valve cover and see/feel an abnormal space between them and their rocker arm when the arm is up, you found one.

 

[Matrixhunter]

Wow i had the exact same thing happen to me yesterday was on the highway driving around 120km/h and sudden car died and wouldnt start after. Belt was torn in a 1/2 strip on the top side all the way across but no teeth missing. Im afraid i damaged my vavles but sure yet. Timing is definetely off engine won't start. Expensive fix for such a smart mechanical problem.

 

[95blackGsTurbo]

Did your timing belt jump teeth or not? Because if it did than you can't accurately do a compression test until it has been realigned because when the pistons is comming up a valve could be hung open and it is just exiting through the intake/exhaust. If it is still aligned and you have zero compression then I would take a plug out and look down the hole. In order to get zero you pretty much have to burn a hole in the piston or drop the valve completely. Odds are if you bend it bad enough to read zero compression the piston is shot. Depending on how much carbon was on it.