Hi, my mate tried to start his 2000, accord 1.8 v-tec yesterday , as it started it lost compression, on inspection he found the cambelt slightly loose and as he had a belt 2 years ago ,thinks its a tensioner thats failed ,
there was no banging or rattling as it turrned over so he's hoping he got away with it , its booked in on fri but he's after a bit of advice on if its a safe engine or not. cheers.

 

How do you mean 'safe'?

IMHO never take a risk with a cambelt. On my 406 V6 I heard a rattling noise from inside the cam cover that suggested the belt had split. I booked it in for the following evening but still drove it to work the following day (50 mile round trip). It snapped just as I pulled into the work car park effectively writing off the car which was only worth around £1800.

 

"safe" as in some engines clash valves and pistons when the belt slips or breaks and some dont , he hasnt even tried to turn it over since , he just wanted to know if there was a chance it was one of those that did'nt clash.

 

I don't think anyone can answer that question for you. What I will say though, is that my brother-in-law has a CTR and his timing chain slipped 6 teeth and it did not suffer any damage.

 

Same happened to my accord coupe many moons ago. Pistons touched valves and the repair bill was not very cheap. Hopefully your mate fares better.

Cheers
Melly

 

,ok thanks for the reply.

 

There are very few engines which wont clash valves and pistons. The only one I do know of is the old 2ltr Capri. and that is because the belt broke on mine. I heard a rumour that the Scooby engine will also get away with it but can't guarantee it, maybe someone knows. Best tow his car to the garage!

Les

 

hth

 

Not the news he wanted , but thanks for that .