If the timing belt broke in a 1994 Mazda protege 1.8 sohc do pistons hit valves?

Yes, in a 1994 Mazda Protege 1.8 SOHC engine, if the timing belt breaks, it is likely that the pistons will hit the valves, causing engine damage. This is because the 1.8 SOHC engine utilizes an interference design, where the pistons and valves occupy the same space within the combustion chamber.

In an interference engine, precise timing is essential to ensure that the valves are closed when the piston moves to the top of its stroke during the compression cycle. If the timing belt breaks or slips, this synchronization is lost, resulting in a collision between the pistons and valves.

When this occurs, the valves can be bent or damaged, while the pistons may also sustain damage to their crowns or heads. This type of engine damage can be significant and usually requires major repair or replacement of affected components. Therefore, it is crucial to replace the timing belt regularly as per the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule to prevent such failures and subsequent engine damage.