BrokenTiming belt on 02 Envoy caused engine damage?

Question

Without warning, engine failed upon atempt to start, Serviced @3000 miles entire life of car, purchased new.

No previous problems of any kind.

66,500 miles on vehicle.

Engine is being replaced -

How could this have been prevented?

Should service provider have detected problem in advance?

Answer 1

The onus is upon the owner to read his/her owner's manual. The best way to prevent such incidents is to closely follow the schedule maintenance in the owner's manual. Preventative maintenance can sometimes be an expense, however it's much cheaper than a new engine or transmission.

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Answer 2

Timing belts "should" be replaced every 50,000 miles. With close tollerance engines, when the belt breaks, the valves crash into the pistons and cause major damage. This is what must have happened in your case. As far as the provider sensing a problem, no. There is usually no advance warning of a belt going bad unless it starts to tear and make a noise when the torn part hits the cover. I bet if you look in the owners manual, you will find that it recommended changing it at a certain point. 90% of people do NOT follow this and end up with problems. Heck, I bet 80% of the people NEVER even open their owners manual. Sorry for your loss.
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Answer 3

I would think if you have a mechanic that works on your vehicle on a regular basis with 3,000 mile oil changes the answer would be yes! The mechanic should have seen it when he has the hood open! But the big question here is: Why did the belt break? Was it factory defective? Was there a mechanical failure like a pully seizing? Or did the belt wear out and the mechanic never saw it?
My suggestion is getting to the root cause and then make the appropriate decision-like finding another mechanic! Change your timing belt as suggested in the owners manual.
As for Mr.T's comment, there are tons of "parts replacers" out there that call themselves "mechanics"! I have over 35 years as a mechanic but that doesn't change the facts! Make sure you have a GOOD REPUTABLE MECHANIC and not some parts replacer who thinks he/she is a mechanic! Stay away from specialty chains- brake shops, muffler shops, chain stores- that's where most of these parts replacers reside! Some of these answers are "parts replacers"! Yes, a mechanic can see and tell when your belt needs replacement long before it breaks!

Answer 4

Unfortunately, most people don't follow the maintenance schedule in the owners manual. Somewhere in the maintenance section it will include "inspect timing belt for wear", usually around 30,000 to 45,000. Because that belt is behind a cover, it isn't a matter of "popping the hood" and just looking. The cover has to be removed, and the overall condition AND belt tensioner checked. When the tensioner gets past half way on the "range marks", the belt is stretched too much.

After all that wordy explanation, yes it is preventable...a lot of every day shops won't check this however, unless you specify a "complete engine inspection"...some will, some won't. Even dealers won't, unless it is a "warranty service"

Answer 5

That's how it is with newer cars. I'm sorry to say "YOU" are the guinea pig.

After everyone else has the same problem, then the service provider will know to recommend this repair.

That doesn't mean people will buy it.

When does your owners manual say to replace it? It seems to me, that automobile manufacturers put a lot of research into knowing how long most things will last, this way they can engineer them to fail the moment the warranty ends. That's just how big business works. My guess is that it was supposed to be replaced at 65,000, oops did you say belt not chain, 50,000. How could you let that go, everyone knows to get their timing belt changed regularly.

Answer 6

The motor in your Envoy does not have a timing belt. It has a timing chain. In some instances the sprocket teeth are plastic to cut down on motor noise. If they are replacing the motor check the chain. if the teeth on the sprockets are plastic march over to a local speed shop and replace with a roller chain or quiet gear drive set up. Jackson Gear Drives make these drives.

Answer 7

How to prevent? REplace the timing belt regularly. Though timing belts last a long time, they ARE known to go out. Replacing them ahead of time is less work, less cost and less problems in the long run. Replace every 30-40,000 miles or so.

Answer 8

Most manuals recommend changing timing belts at 60k. Oops.

Answer 9

Sounds like your mechanic is a moron.Envoy/Trailblazer is equipped with a timing chain,not a belt....time to find a different repair shop.

Answer 10

Stuff happens.