First, a "timing belt" 'times' the synchronizing of the pistons and the opening of the valves.
If the belt snaps, there is no longer a synchronization of the timing of the pistons and valves, and the pistons can ram right through the valves, usually bending them.
This normally RUINS the engine. It's better to buy another car, or put another engine into it.
However, on very few cars, there are engines that have NON-INTERFERENCE engines--meaning, that the pistons and valves won't INTERFERE with each other, should the timing belt break.
Most cars have INTERFERENCE engines though. I think they should be outlawed.
Too many people don't know that the great looking and running car that they just bought USED, is due for a timing belt change.
Gates Belts (google it), has a chart with all the engines and when to replace a timing belt.
I had one car break the belt, but it was idling in my driveway at the time, and it did not ruin the engine. If you are driving the car at least 10mph when it snaps, you almost certainly ruined the engine.
If the belt snaps, there is no longer a synchronization of the timing of the pistons and valves, and the pistons can ram right through the valves, usually bending them.
This normally RUINS the engine. It's better to buy another car, or put another engine into it.
However, on very few cars, there are engines that have NON-INTERFERENCE engines--meaning, that the pistons and valves won't INTERFERE with each other, should the timing belt break.
Most cars have INTERFERENCE engines though. I think they should be outlawed.
Too many people don't know that the great looking and running car that they just bought USED, is due for a timing belt change.
Gates Belts (google it), has a chart with all the engines and when to replace a timing belt.
I had one car break the belt, but it was idling in my driveway at the time, and it did not ruin the engine. If you are driving the car at least 10mph when it snaps, you almost certainly ruined the engine.
