Can the Engine Start if the Timing Belt Breaks?

[LaAaron]

The engine cannot start if the timing belt breaks. Below is more information about the timing belt: 1. Replace according to specified mileage: The timing belt is a consumable part. Once it breaks, the camshaft will not operate in sync with the timing, which can cause severe damage due to the collision between the valves and pistons. Therefore, the timing belt must be replaced according to the mileage or time specified by the manufacturer. 2. Function of the timing belt: During the operation of a car engine, the four processes of intake, compression, combustion, and exhaust continuously occur in the cylinders. Each step must be synchronized with the movement and position of the pistons to coordinate the intake, exhaust, and piston movements. The timing belt, driven by the crankshaft, transmits power to the corresponding components.

[LeJason]

This incident left a deep impression on me. I used to drive an old Buick, and when the timing belt snapped, I foolishly tried to start the engine. It made a loud 'crack' sound and stalled, never starting again. Later, a car repair expert explained that the timing belt connects the crankshaft and camshaft. If it breaks, the engine's internal components fall out of sync, and attempting to start it can cause the pistons to hit the valves, leading to bent valves, scratched cylinder walls, or even total engine failure. That time, I spent nearly 10,000 yuan on major repairs to fix the damaged parts. The lesson was clear: never attempt to start the engine! If this happens, immediately stop the car, turn on the hazard lights, and have it towed to a professional repair shop for inspection. It’s best to replace the timing belt every 80,000–100,000 kilometers as routine maintenance, costing only a few hundred yuan—saving money and ensuring safety. Remember, prevention is always better than dealing with a wrecked car. Without the engine, the car is as good as scrap.

[SanAlivia]

As a car enthusiast, I know the timing belt acts like an orchestra conductor, ensuring the pistons and valves dance in sync. Starting the engine when the belt breaks? Absolutely not! The engine goes haywire, with pistons hitting closed valves at ignition, causing parts to collide and crack—the engine may only last seconds before seizing. Forcing a start worsens the damage, with repair costs ranging from thousands to tens of thousands, potentially affecting the crankshaft and oil seals. The solution is simple: first, stop and check for signs of belt breakage, but don’t attempt to test it; if confirmed broken, avoid ignition and call a tow truck to the repair shop for assessment. It’s recommended to replace the belt every 100,000 km, especially for older cars prone to fatigue cracks under high heat. Proper maintenance saves big money—safety first, no risks.

[LeAna]

When I first bought a car, I didn't know much about it. A friend's timing belt snapped, and out of curiosity, he tried to start the engine, which ended up being ruined. Later, a mechanic explained to me that a broken belt means the crankshaft and camshaft are out of sync. Starting the engine would cause the pistons to violently collide with the valves, deforming them into scrap metal and requiring a costly engine overhaul. That incident cost me over 10,000 yuan in replacement parts. Since then, I always remind myself to get the belt replaced during maintenance. If the belt breaks, never press the ignition button. Park the car safely, engage the handbrake, turn on the hazard lights, and use an app to call for a tow truck to get it repaired quickly. Regular inspections save both hassle and money—maintenance is key.