Jim Grant's Tech Tips

'89 Honda Accord, Valves & Timing

Q: On an ‘89 Honda Accord LX, do the valves hit the pistons when a timing belt breaks?

A: Hopefully, you’re asking this question because you were warned that it could be costly if the timing belt broke on your Honda. If the timing has broken and the conditions were right, yes you could have easily damaged the engine in your Honda. Timing belts are found on many vehicles. I strongly suggest that vehicle owners follow the suggested maintenance/replacement of timing belts. If you purchase a used vehicle with a timing belt and do not know when the timing belt was serviced/replaced have it replaced! It is amazing how destructive to an engine and checking account a little old piece of rubber belt can be.