i'm pretty sure my timing belt broke- what are the signs it's that and not something else? and how do i know if valves are bent without towing it to a shop?
2006-08-09 07:37:00 · 6 answers · asked by i_left_my_mind_with_the_baby 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
it has an interference engine. 96 geo metro lsi, 4cyl
2006-08-09 07:48:34 · update #1
i turned the car off to check my mail and it wouldn't start back up. it would get close to starting and then shake real bad and all my stuff would be clicking of and on while tried to stay on, then stall out. it won't turn over now, just keeps cranking
2006-08-09 07:51:23 · update #2
AS A GENERAL RULE---> An interference engine CAN cause damage to the valves when a belt fails.
The belt RARELY fails while driving, they usually fail after a stop and on the re-start.
A shop can tell if there is damage to the valves with a tool called a bore-scope. The tech can remove the spark plugs and see inside with this devise.
Some shops might replace the belt, and before completely reassembling the engine try to start it. If it runs smoothly, you dodged the bullet. If there is a cylinder(s) that does not contribute, then there is going to be a valve job.
A reputable shop will tell you this same thing, and give you a WRITTEN estimate for the belt replacement, AND what it could cost you if you need the valves repaired. It should be a "Best Case" and "Worst Case" sort of estimate.
They should also advise you of other repairs recommended at the same time (i.e. water pump, coolant, spark plugs, oil change, &tc.)
2006-08-09 08:00:57 · answer #1 · answered by Ironhand 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One test that can't go wrong is to remove the valve cover and have a friend crank the engine. If the stuff under the valve cover doesn't move but the engine cranks, your timing belt is broken. If you have a distributor, you can simply take its cap off instead and see if the rotor turns - disconnect the coil before you do this. That's much easier than pulling the valve cover, but not all cars have this anymore.
As for finding out if the valves are bent without taking it to a mechanic - well, how comfortable do you feel about removing the cylinder head yourself and having a look?
2006-08-09 14:37:41 · answer #2 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chances are that the valves are bent. That's what happens with interference engines. You can pull the valve covers off and take the valves out of the head to inspect them. But unless you're very mechanically inclined, you'll hurt yourself doing that.
2006-08-09 07:52:59 · answer #3 · answered by soaplakegirl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
timing belt...does it run? NO? could be timing belt. the heads need to be removed to see if the piston contacted the valves...also, some mechanic's computer programs can tell them if if the engine you have is the type where the pistons may come into contact with the valves. my fiancee's car is NOT one of those vehicles, however, at highway speeds, it would be possible for contact to occur. you'd have to remove the timing belt cover...which is sometimes easy, and sometimes not, to find out if it's the timing belt
2006-08-09 07:44:13 · answer #4 · answered by Ryan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nicely! if she,s pushed the vehicle to the storage it hasnt snapped yet whilst it replaced into towed there after the fan belt snapped as a results of fact the vehicle wouldnt start up then it may desire to nicely have jamed interior the timing belt and compelled it off the crankshaft pulley yet it extremely is unusual and extremely undesirable success !
2016-12-11 10:35:33 · answer #5 · answered by foote 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Need more info. Year, Make, Model
2006-08-09 07:43:12 · answer #6 · answered by Dave 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋