Timing belt broke on 1991 Ford mustang LX 2.3L. Should I try replacing the belt, or time for a new engine?

Question

Do the pistons hit the valves every time a belt brakes ont his 2.3 liter engine? any one with knowelage please sugest so I don't waist a lot of time with the belt if their is no chance of it fixing the engine.

Answer 1

generally no 2.3 are not interference motors and the valves should be fine the only way i see damage happening is if the engine was at a very high rpm when the belt broke like close to redline. it is a fairly simple job on these cars to do yourself or done at a shop for a reasonable price , i think flate rate is somewhere between 2 and 3hrs. change the serpentine belt while you are at it if it shows any signs of wear waterpump is up to you also you are going to be right there.

Answer 2

The 2.3L engine usually has enough clearance to have not damaged the valves. To check this remove the spark plugs and roll the crankshaft until the timing mark indicates top dead center, and then roll the cam shaft by hand, you should be able to feel and hear the difference in the shaft as each valve cycles open and closed. If you get to a point where the shaft will not turn or you did not hear the air drawing in or blowing out Through the plug opening then you have major problems. If everything seems OK align your timing marks and replace your timing belt. I have had to do this six times on other 2.3L ford engines and have either been extremely lucky or there is plenty of clearance.

Answer 3

Well here we go agaain... preventive maintenance...Change timing belts every 70,000 miles rather they need it or not.
On the mustang it all depends on when it broke, if the valves were open and the piston were on the way up..Not a good match... There is not enough clearance between the head and the top of the piston,so if your were traveling down the road at any speed. Then your probably in for a head job and some valves.
The only way to know for sure is to change the timing belt and fire her up, if it misses and runs bad then it's time for the head job

Answer 4

Justin is correct... the 2.3 in the mustang was a non-interference motor meaning that the valves never hit the piston (unless you were hitting redline or something else broke at the same time.. very unlikely as the valve trains on them things were good for 300k easy.

Depending upon the mileage and who made the belt, I've seen a lot of them usually last about 120k+ miles before breaking.. just leaves you sitting on the side of the road about it.

Answer 5

There's no sure answer. The only way to determine if the engine is wiped out, is pull the head and check for signs of damage. If everything looks good, then put on a new belt and you should be good to go another 60 thousand miles.

If the valves are bent or the piston tops show damage, you've got more trouble, obviously. Time for a new engine.

Answer 6

Does the Motor Run?
TimingBelst brake due to neglect to of changing them roughly every 45,000 - 50,000 miles.
When this belt Brakes it does Not effect the timing with the valves and pistons.
You do need the belt(s) for the Altinator, Water pump AC Compressor.

If you can find the tension wheel and easy access to it with where you can wrench it up high enought to slip orver or under the wheel then your good. Its worth a try if you have the tools somons you know who is willing to help.

Also onthe radiator covering look for a sticker that shows the proper wayto run the belt.

Answer 7

I would double check with your parts store, a quick look in a gates belt guide will say so. To my knowledge, it is not, I have done many broken belts on those over the years and never had a valve damage problem.

Answer 8

If the timming belt is broken it should be replaced but be sure u have the workshop manual of the car handy for the cam and crank gear alignment .

Answer 9

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Answer 10

change the belt. valves tend to become bent on "interference" engines.wont know til the belt is replaced.