1988 Honda Accord Timing Belt Failure Fix

1988 HONDA ACCORD
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CUONGTRAN
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
the tensioner for the timing belt broke, and the engine died while i was driving. don't know if anything was damage... the belt was intact, but was loose and severly scratched. how would i align the cam gear (with the pulley i presummed) before putting on the timing belt? i see a mark on the cam gear but haven't got around to the bottom pulley yet...

88 accord, carb. manual trans.
Apr 21, 2006 at 7:57 AM
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LOSONE
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 1,616 POSTS
Unfortunatly you have an interference engine and have caused severe damage to the cyl head and valve train. I suggest you go to any parts house and buy an inexpensive book that will show you the sequesnce. regardless, the head will have to come off. Don't forget to replace the water pump, it is driven by the cam belt. Sorry and good luck
Apr 21, 2006 at 8:48 AM
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Suggested Repair

Treat this as an interference-engine failure: remove the cylinder head and inspect the valves and valve train for damage before installing a new timing belt. Use a repair manual for the cam and crank alignment sequence, and replace the water pump because it is driven by the timing belt.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1988 Honda Accord with a carburetor and manual transmission said the timing belt tensioner broke and the engine died while driving. The belt remained intact but was loose and badly scratched, and the owner asked how to align the cam gear before installing it. The expert said this interference engine likely suffered severe cylinder-head and valve-train damage, so the head must come off; a repair manual should be used for the timing sequence, and the water pump should also be replaced.

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