Timing Belt Failure

ScoopMan · Post by **ScoopMan** » Thu Oct 08, 2015 7:20 pm

Will a timing belt failure always cause internal engine damage? Or can one get lucky? My sense is that if it happens while driving, the crank will still be turning if the car is in motion and the trans is in gear. It would seem to me that SOME valves would HAVE to be stuck open, and would get hit by a piston. Maybe one might get lucky with a low compression 1995 cc with the big flycuts, but I imagine less so on the earlier engines.

Just wondering, as I am looking at buying a car that the seller claims had a timing belt failure, but was fixed without a teardown, and has been running fine for several years since...

divace73 · Post by **divace73** » Thu Oct 08, 2015 10:03 pm

most of the fiat engine are interference, however I believe the later 2L low compression aren't, can other chime in to confirm????

If the car the been running fine for several years after the repair, then I imagine then the proof is in the pudding...(if that saying is common??) it's fine...

So Cal Mark · Post by **So Cal Mark** » Thu Oct 08, 2015 10:05 pm

the later 1800s would freewheel since they had deeper flycuts in the pistons

bobplyler · Post by **bobplyler** » Fri Oct 09, 2015 4:18 am

Also, in the 2L the crankshaft can hit the aux shaft.

ScoopMan · Post by **ScoopMan** » Fri Oct 09, 2015 3:57 pm

Well, it is a 1608, and the owner says it died while the car was stopped.

Ramzi · Post by **Ramzi** » Fri Oct 09, 2015 7:36 pm

A 1608 is definitely an interference motor - so please be careful. I once had a 24 valve Alfa which lost a belt when it stopped... Not pretty - trust me.

Also, I recall seeing one 1995cc motor which actually had valve to valve interference when a timing belt failed. So even a non-interference motor can interfere.

ScoopMan · Post by **ScoopMan** » Sat Oct 10, 2015 10:03 am

Even with the car stopped and the engine turning at idle speed, there is still considerable rotational momentum from the crank and flywheel. I cannot see how a crank turning at 1000 rpm or so can come to an immediate stop. If it turns even one revolution, I would think there is no way for a piston to avoid hitting a valve that is stuck open.

dom · Post by **dom** » Sat Oct 10, 2015 11:02 am

Ask them if you can do a compression test, it's easy to do. If they say no then stay away.

ScoopMan · Post by **ScoopMan** » Sat Oct 10, 2015 1:47 pm

Yes, I have already told them that I wanted to to a compression test, as a dead minimum.

Timing Belt Failure

Timing Belt Failure

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