Timing belts — what happens when they break? You are here Home Timing belts — what happens when they break? What does a timing belt do? Or in some cases, a chain. But as chains seldom break, they have no place here. What happens when a timing belt fails? Is that the end of the car then? Can a timing belt be fixed?
How do I stop it happening? If you look in the service handbook of your car it will tell you when the timing chain or cambelt should be renewed. This is generally related to mileage, but also time. Like the belt, the pump has a limited life and since neither component is particularly expensive to replace, it is often best practice to change both at the same time to save on labour costs. Plus, the few hundred pounds to do this job now, is far better value than a few thousand for a new engine or car!
Research The internet is often your best friend. This will quickly supply you with a list of things to look out for when you start shopping or, possibly, reasons you should choose a different model…. If an issue has happened to enough other people then the chances are high that it will happen to you.
Cars are made in their thousands so even if you have a particular model, specification and colour in mind you can afford to be choosy. Take your time and find one that has a decent pedigree. However, there are steps you can take to avoid being out of pocket. Your email address will not be published. It's worth noting that there is no grace period when it comes to a broken timing belt. The damage it causes is absolutely immediate and once the belt breaks there is nothing you can do to prevent it.
It will happen in that moment no matter where you are. If you're in the driveway, if you're driving down the highway, the moment your timing belt breaks the damage that's going to happen will occur right then and there. This could cause you to lose power and stall out right in the middle of a highway if that's where you are, or leave you stranded in a parking lot.
The effects that a broken timing belt will have on your engine very much depends on whether you have an interference engine or a non-interference engine. There are many different designs for engines in vehicles, but there are some general ways you can tell the difference between an interference engine and a non-Interference engine. In specific, the big difference between these two types of engines is the way the valves open.
An interference engine is a 4-stroke engine that will open one or more of the valves to accommodate the piston as it rises through the cylinder.
In a non-interference engine, the pistons don't go into the open valve and this difference is absolutely key to what happens when a timing belt fails.
As we said, the timing belt synchronizes the camshaft with the crankshaft. So, if you have an interference engine and the timing belt fails, the camshaft is not turning, and the valves will not open. The piston will still rise into the cylinder and then it will collide with the closed valve. This could damage the cam heads, the valves, the pistons, and essentially destroy your entire engine.
If you have a non-interference engine and the timing belt fails, because the piston never enters the valve even when it's operating normally, you are not suffering the same damage that you would with an interference engine.
That doesn't mean that your engine will continue to function, because it won't, but the damage that is caused to it will be greatly reduced. This may make you wonder why anyone uses interference engines in the first place.
If an interference engine is at risk of such serious damage when a timing belt fails, and a non-interference engine can still do the same job, why use interference at all? That's because the compression ratio in an interference engine is actually much better than a non-interference engine.
Compression ratio relates to the volume of the combustion chamber. These pieces sometimes fall into the oil pan generating a dramatic drop in pressure. If this happens, it could mean a complete engine rebuild. Vibrations and excessive heat — as problems with the belt will impact the internal tensioner components, which in turn affects the overall performance of the engine. Increased exhaust fumes — if cam belt is failing, then the engine will need to work harder to get the same acceleration, causing greater volumes of exhaust gasses than usual.
Detached teeth can even cause a severe jolt in the engine, should they fall into the gears. Visual issues with the belt — perform a visual inspection of the belt. The following signs mean you should replace it:. And if the belt breaks Stop the car. VAT No. What is the purpose of a cam belt?
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