Questions and Answers

Are The Valves Gone?

Q. I have a 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse with a 1.8L automatic with 112,000 miles on it. The timing belt broke on the vehicle and the repair shop is saying that it most certainly took the valves out with it. I thought that most manufacturers (such as Ford and it's early 80's escort), had solved the problem of losing the head whenever the timing belt breaks. Is this common for this year of Mitsubishi. Also, is there any way I can check to make sure the valves are shot before I buy a head. Thank you for your time.

Adam

A. According to all my books, the 1990 Mitsubishi Eclipse 1.8 liter is a non-interference engine. So there should not be any damage to the valves. If it were the 2.0 liter engine, then you would have problems. I don't believe the shop is trying to screw you over, they are just working on the assumption that all Japanese engines are interference engines.

Most American made engines are of lower compression and have more room in the cylinders to accommodate piston and valves. Japanese engines are higher compression engines so there is less room in the cylinders for valves and pistons.

FYI... this particular engine is also used in the Plymouth Laser which may explain why it is not an interference engine.