timing belt keeps breaking

[xenoxnty]

I have a 89 honda prelude si. Just alittle history on the car. It was previously owned by a older couple. It got very lightly re-ended. Only had 98k miles when I got it. It now has 110k miles.

The problem, is that I have spent about $3000 fixing this car. The first time the timing belt broke. The mechanic put a used head on it. Fixed it up. Put about another 5k miles on it. Ran great. Felt like a brand new car. Then the timing belt broke again, coming off a small hill doing about 60-70 mph. It was the timing belt again. This time, I just went and got one of those used engines from japan with (about) 30k miles on them. This time it didn't run like new. It had a very slight misfire when going up large hills. Overall, it just didn't have all the power it used to. Then the timing belt broke again. This time my dad and I looked at it. The timing belt had broke in two different spots.

Right now, I just want to know how to fix this problem. But I'm not asking someone to figure this out for me. I would just like to know everyones opinion on my idea of what the problem would be. My dad has worked on alot of vehicles - and had a similar problem with a truck. However, it was breaking a timing chain. It turned out that the catalytic converter was stuffed with oil. He cleaned it out, and fixed the engine for a fourth time, and it didn't break the chain anymore.

Anyhow, he suggested this to me. We took the catalytic converter off, and sure enough, the glass had melted into a 5" ball in the middle. I have talked with many local mechanics, and they all say this is unlikely to be the problem. But how could I have the same problem with more than one engine?? Also, each time the belt broke, I was coming off a hill. Either way, I would like as many opinions as possible before I decide to fix this car a third time.... please?

[jdmcivic04]

the belt is prolly getting restricted by something and more pressure is on it than usual. also, check how tight it is. your problem might be that you were making it too tight... just a guess...

[88PreludeChik]

I have a 88 Prelude "Prely". My timing belt went on me goin up a hill yesterday morning. I was driving up, and the idle dropped like i took it and put it in neutral. Then it stalled and just makes a whining noise when u try starting it. I'm hoping it didn't blow my motor *i wish*, but we're gonna try to put a new belt in anywayz. Any1 know of where I can get instructions on putting it on?

[Phunyguy]

if it won't kick over - chances are ya got a few bent valves. (blown motor)

[jdmlude_h22a]

i broke mine sunday night, luckily i wuz cruisin' @ 10 comin' into my neighborhood, so it didn't bend any valves. But i would like to know if anybody had ever done this to there 4th gen, because i'd like to save the money and do the work myself. I'm not sure how much work it is, i know it's a lot, if anybody could help it it would greatly appreciated.

[joellthomas]

somebody splain how this is done! the dude cut me a deal on mine cause he changed it thinking it was responsible for the vibration, which turns out was in the cat-converter.