I think my car's timing belt has went out. A shade tree mechanic has told me that was the problem but I am not sure. I have a Chevy Malibu 1998 model.
2007-03-21 13:17:33 · 11 answers · asked by trina24 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Chevrolet
If the timing belt has slipped (jumped a tooth), you will lose power and be hard to start, if you can even start it.
If the belt went completely out (broke), your engine won't even run.
THe timing belt connects from the crankshaft to thecam shaft and keeps the valves opening and closing at the correct time in relation to the pistons. Once it breaks, the starter may sping the engine but the valves aren't opening and closing.
At the worst, if a valve is extended and you do not have hydraulic lifters, you could end up with a bent value and broken piston. I've never seen it happen but my cars have been hydraulic lifter Chevys.
As far as replacing it. THe hardest part is simply getting to it. With a good tool selection, it will generally take a couple of hours to replace. A Ford Pinto with the covers already missing only took 10 minutes to replace. A Honda with all covers in place took 4 hours.
Additional trivia, timing belts sometimes are set up to drive water pumps and other accessories.
Bottom line,, if the belt broke, you ain't moving. If it jumped a tooth, and you can still move, your power and fuel economy will stink.
Mark H
2007-03-21 19:36:22 · answer #1 · answered by mark h 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are a couple of ways....first try to start it and if it sounds really faint/low cranking it is the belt. Second you can loosen the clamp at the throttle body for the air system. Put your hand on top of the throttle body and see if you can feel air being sucked in. If you don't feel any air going in the belt if broken. Last and best way to check is remove a spark plug and do a compression test or feel it with your finger if you don't have the proper compression gauge.
2007-03-21 23:19:34 · answer #2 · answered by vsMechanic68 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The 2.4L 4-cyl also has a chain, not a timing belt. The mechanic is wrong. He or she is just guessing. If you have a 3.1, the chain might be bad. If you hear a rattling sound and/or the water pump is failing, the cam/chain might have a problem. But more than likely, it's something else. You didn't describe the problem.
2007-03-21 21:36:38 · answer #3 · answered by Spee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 98 malibu doesn't have a timing belt.
2007-03-21 23:08:42 · answer #4 · answered by Mr. Badwrench 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It runs poorly and can backfire out the exhaust pipe or intake, or just quits running. It don't usually bend valves or really screw the engine up too bad. If it turns over fast and easy but won't start, that's probably the belt broken or thrown off.
2007-03-21 23:40:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a Nissan that the timing belt went out in. I made a squeaking noise.
2007-03-21 20:20:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
It usually blows out the valves on the top of your motor.
Its different for every car . check your drivers manual about maintenance.
It snapped out from my Plymouth Neon and I couldn't drive it after that !
The "Shady and lazy Mechanics" will not tell you that because its a very big job for them to change the belt...
2007-03-21 20:20:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
that was pretty esy for me the car just stopped and would not go in gear or start.engine shutdown aI believe my mechanis called it, cost me a pretty penny as well as making me miss a valuable appointment, Other than that, your guess would be as good as mine.
2007-03-21 20:22:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
3.1 uses a chain, if you have 3.1 I'd think it is still good and something else is amiss.
2007-03-21 20:28:18 · answer #9 · answered by done wrenching 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well you can tell look at the belt, if it has cracks or tears in it then yes it needs to get replaced.
2007-03-21 20:20:18 · answer #10 · answered by sickskillz883 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋