My 97 acura 3.2 tl timing belt has slack in it and
Your Acura is equipped with what is called an "interference" engine. What this means is that if the timing belt breaks (or jumps time) with the engine running, the pistons can hit the valves and cause internal damage to the engine.NO, this does NOT necessarilly mean that you have to replace the engine. However, it DOES mean that the extent of the damage needs to be evaluated and recommendations should be made on an evaluation of the ENTIRE vehicle.If I was your personal mechanic, this is how I would handle it:I would remove the valve cover and loosen the camshaft journals to allow all the valves to close. Then I would remove the spark plugs and perform a leak test on all of the cylinders. With a leak test, I can get a pretty good idea of how much damage there is - like if it is only a single bent valve, several bent valves, a cracked piston, etc. It is also possible that there is no damage at all.I would then make an estimate of repairs based on what I have found without performing any major tear-down of the engine.I would also take a HARD look at the REST of the vehicle. (After all, we are talking about a 15-year-old vehicle here.)I would then give you my best advice based not only on the cost of repairing the engine, but whether the car itself is worth the investment.If the rest of the car is in pretty good shape, then it would probably be worth it, but if it has major defects such as collision damage, severe rusting underneath, suspension problems, dammage to plastic and rubber parts from years of oil leaks, etc.. I would probably advise against fixing the engine.I try to look for the LONG TERM results, rather than concentrate on making a quick buck selling a major engine repair.Having customers that TRUST me is "JOB 1".
