Timing Trouble

[1101101]

So, on my way home from running errands I tried to beat a light and hit a dip going downhill, my engine died and I could hear some gears whirring. I am 90% sure my timing belt went out (high mileage car with original motor). Anyway, I was looking into this, and apparently, 90-95 Integras' have an "interference motor", timing failure can cause damage to the pistons and rods as there is minimal clearance. Does anyone have experience with this? What should i expect? I called a mobile mechanic and he fed me some bull trying to jack the repair price to $350. He called me back lowering the price by about $100, he seems kind of desperate so this deal feels a little shady. Anyway, your feedback is appreciated, i'd go for it myself, but I don't have any tools as of a few months ago. Also, i'm in the Austin, TX area, so if anyone has any suggestions on where I should take my car, let me know.


1993 Integra DA9 non-VTEC

 

[thenoxus1]

I mean..usually the labor for just a timing belt/water pump is around 300..

 

[hgocasca]

Sketch, the belt and other parts alone are $100 so no labor charges? Super hella sketch lol

 

[1101101]

You're right noxus. I am a little nervous about letting this guy work on my car. Has anyone seen or heard of what kind of damage can be caused with timing failure on an "interference motor"? I might have an excuse for a swap now.

 

[3Axis]

A snapped timing belt can result in a valve crash; bent valves or punctured pistons.

 

[hgocasca]

Did that to my jdm b16, new head and possibly pistons, depends on how long it was smacking around for, I had to get new valves and lots of head machine work, so I just got a new head

 

[hgocasca]

Honestly if it costs more than $400, just get a new motor, hate to say it but it'll be more cost effective

 

[1101101]

Well, the engine died right away, it was in gear for about 50 yards or so as it rolled. Honestly, I flipped a coin and I am gonna let this mechanic tear it open to see whats up. Wish me luck.

 

[guiltyxxspark]

The whining gear sound was because you left it in gear. It's the transmission whining. As far as the timing issue, it will fuck up your valve train, bent valves, damaged pistons, etc. Will it start now?

Take off your valve cover and look at the timing belt.

 

[1101101]

The valve cover came off earlier, and the timing belt was shredded to hell. Gonna replace it and hope that was the extent of the damage.

 

[1101101]

So, after taking a closer look, it turns out that the timing belt failed due to a rocker arm slipping out and getting crushed in between the intake cam shaft and housing, bringing the shaft to a dead stop. A simple valve adjustment would've prevented this. The rocker arm was smashed on the side and looks unbent, also, when it was smashed, a junk about the sized of a pencil tip was taken out of the camshaft. The way it was smashed seems to have spared any surface contact area between the rocker arm and camshaft, although the intake camshaft seems to not turn as easily as the exhaust side(possibly warped?). The failure happened at about 2200-2500 rpm. I am just gonna get the timing belt, and rocker arm back on so I can get her started to check for valve and/or piston damage. Lesson learned: Full tune-up immediately after vehicle purchase!!!!one!

 

[natt2000]

dont cut corners. pull the head, check all your valves. your most likely going to have to replace them all. also examine your pistons for damage. if any damage exists check your rods for straightness as well. dont take shortcuts, or you will just end up paying more money. i would also replace that broken cam.

 

[mirrorimg]

Leakdown test to check for bent valves without pulling the head.

 

[1101101]

Well, I finally got around to starting her up, she's done, massive power loss. Gonna start planning a rebuild after I get some checks done. For now, I gotta hop on the bus to get to class.