Broken timing belt repair advice needed!

StephensBPEStephensBPE Band Wagon
in Engine & Drivetrain
Hi all,

I join today bearing the sad news that the timing belt on my buddy's Wagovan (D15A2) has snapped. I already have the head off, and have confirmed that there was piston to valve contact. The pistons look like they're okay; one has a little bit of damage, but nothing that will interfere with the valves in the future, and no chunks or shards missing.

My question is: after a trip to the machine shop for new valves, guides, and seats, is the rest of the engine okay? In my experience, it should run fine with a couple scuffed pistons, but I'm really not very familiar with Honda engines, so I don't know if these D15's have really weak rods or bearings that could be wrecked by piston to valve contact.

Comments

  • superhatchsuperhatch Moderator
    I've had interference on a D16A6 before and had to replace some valves and then did a timing belt kit. I didn't have any bottom end damage.

    The D15 rods are a little shorter than a6 rods which makes up for the different stroke but I don't know if they are any thinner. I think your best bet is to slap the rebuilt head on and hope for no bottom damage.

    You could also just drop the oil pan from the bottom and take a look up into the block. You might be able to see potential rod damage.
  • bkmc24bkmc24 Senior Wagonist
    I have been a part of a repair where the guy did the same and had no issues. I have also seen people just throw a new belt on and drive the car for over a year without issues, so it typically is case-by-case but you SHOULD be fine.
  • StephensBPEStephensBPE Band Wagon
    Excellent, that's the kind of thing I was hoping to hear! The car only has 100k miles, so if ever there was an engine that SHOULD be okay, I'm thinking this is that engine.
  • JLane91JLane91 New Wagonist
    You should be good to go after the headwork is done. If the pistons are scuffed no biggie, just make sure there arn't any jagged edges... these tend to catch carbon and create hot spots during combustion. Just make sure everything is smooth.
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