If my timing belt broke and I have an interference motor is it beyond repair?
What is your question?
My car is a Hyundai Accent 2007. My timing belt broke while I was driving. I think i have an interference motor. My mechanic is worried that just replacing the belt may not fix things and more damage may be done. Checking/fixing potential the additional damage is 3x expensive as fixing the belt. I'm not sure if it is worth the investment of fixing the belt and waiting to see if it works. If that doesn't work the price of fixing other issues may be too high or not possible. Based on research online it says when a timing belt snaps while driving with an interference motor it could damage your engine. Is that true? Is it worth trying to fix the belt first to see if it works? Or is it very likely that there will be more extensive damage/or beyond repair? Trying to decide if it's worth trying to fix the belt only or just invest in a new car instead.
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Hello, damage is pretty much inevitable. The valves have likely impacted the pistons and caused damage due to the belt failure.
The only way you can know is to remove the cylinder head and inspect the damage.
All of this, especially for this economy vehicle, is likely more costly than remotely worth it. Sorry to say.
Camshaft removal followed by cylinder leak down test will quickly determine if there internal engine damage.
Another alternative is simply performing the minimal required process to install the belt with engine timing set correctly then try to start the engine..
Neither of these procedures should take a lot of time to complete.
Good luck!
All Hyundai engine are indeed classified as interference - however engine damage does not ‘always’ occur when the timing belt fails ..
A bore scope is another very handy tool to view inside the cylinders to inspect for signs of piston to valve contact - this is the first thing that should be attempted.. IF there is a ‘mark’ on top of any of the pistons - valve damage has occurred!
The “mechanic” should be aware of these testing procedures.. [ ?? ]
It’s certainly worth the time it takes to find out exactly what has occurred before making any final decisions!
Now - if it is ‘proven’ the engine has been damaged - it is likely beyond ‘reasonable’ repair.
All Hyundai engine are indeed classified as interference - however engine damage does not ‘always’ occur when the timing belt fails .. A bore scope is another very handy tool to view inside the cylinders to inspect for signs of piston to valve contact - this is the first thing that should be attempted.. IF there is a ‘mark’ on top of any of the pistons - valve damage has occurred! The “mechanic” should be aware of these testing procedures.. [ ?? ] It’s certainly worth the time it takes to find out exactly what has occurred before making any final decisions! Now - if it is ‘proven’ the engine has been damaged - it is likely beyond ‘reasonable’ repair.