What are the consequences of a broken timing belt?
2 Answers
The consequences of a broken timing belt are: causing the engine valves and ignition system to malfunction, requiring an engine overhaul. Under normal circumstances, if properly maintained and replaced according to the manufacturer's specified mileage or time interval, the timing belt will not break. The timing belt is a crucial component of the engine's valve train system, ensuring accurate intake and exhaust timing by connecting to the crankshaft with a specific gear ratio. The timing belt serves as a link between the upper and lower parts, connecting the timing pulley on the engine cylinder head at the top and the crankshaft timing pulley at the bottom. Generally, the timing belt should be considered for replacement at around 80,000 kilometers.
Once my car suddenly stalled on the highway, and it turned out the timing belt had snapped. When this thing breaks, it's disastrous—the crankshaft and camshaft immediately lose synchronization, leaving valves open when they should be closed. The pistons then smash upward and bend the valve stems. In my case, even the piston crowns got dented, and the valve guides cracked. Debris also fell into the crankcase and scored the cylinder walls, ultimately requiring a complete engine overhaul that cost me over a month's salary. The worst part was metal fragments circulating with the engine oil, forcing us to disassemble and clean even the oil pump during repairs. So here's a reminder: replacing the belt regularly is far cheaper than repairing the engine.
