I have a 1991 Honda Accord. I was driving to class, only drove maybe 2 miles tops, and it all of a sudden just died like it would if the alternator was bad, but all dash lights and radio stayed on.. I tried to crank it back up, it would turn over but not actually start and run. Was told it may have jumped time, but would like other opinions. Thanks in advance!

 

Did it sound strange when you tried to start? If you have reason to suspect it jumped time, I'd check the timing (remove upper timing cover) before trying to crank any more. Do you know how to check the camshaft timing marks?

Once that's ruled out, you can figure out lack-of-fuel vs. lack-of-spark.

 

It did sound strange when I tried to start it back up... maybe not as loud of a turn over as usual.. Definatly know it's not the fuel pump, you can hear it come on when you turn the key, and it also had 1/2 of a tank of gas. Did have someone take out a spark plug, place their hand over the hole while trying to crank. They said it didn't have any compression, thus meaning it jumping time, or timing belt breaking.

 

If they're right about not having any compression, then the damage has already been done.

If the belt jumped 1 or 2 teeth, you'd have SOME compression, it wouldn't be ZERO.

If the timing belt broke, then you probably have some bent valves. If you're a do-it-yourself mechanic, we can give you the next couple steps to evaluate it. But basically the head will come off and get rebuilt. Or you buy a new/used head or a new/used engine.

 

Can you give me any advice on what gaskets to replace when replacing the timing belt and water pump? I know the valve cover needs to be replace and the oil pan because it leaks. Any others?

 

After it cooled down did it start?

 

No.. We've already taken everything apart and the timing belt did snap. Just need to know now what gaskets to replace when replacing the timing belt and water pump?

 

You should do a compression test on the motor before buying any more parts. The engine could be damaged.

 

No, the timing belt has been confirmed. As stated earlier you most likely have more than a few bent valves. You need a head replacement.

 

You want to rotate the crankshaft directly to a point where all 4 pistons are at mid-stroke. Here's how to do that:
- Remove the spark plugs.
- Stick a rod/stick/screwdrive down #1 and #2, and see which piston is higher in it's stroke.
- Turn the crankshaft just a bit until you tell which piston goes up & which goes down.
- Turn the crankshaft whichever direction you need to make them even, WITHOUT either pistion going up to the top.

Now with all 4 pistons at mid-stroke, you can turn the camshaft any which way you please. So turning the camshaft you can go through the motions of measuring your valve clearance. Any bent valve will appear to have very large (out-of-spec) clearance.

If you have bent valves, then you take off the cylinder head to get it rebuilt.