It had broken timing belt. I fixed it. Couple days later, on the road, my car died

EATBEANSMRBEAN

MEMBER
1999 FORD CONTOUR

My Ford Contour has 140,000 miles on it. It had broken timing belt. I fixed it. Couple days later, on the road, my car died. It wouldn't start. I checked the timing belt and it was broken. My question is when timing belt brakes do I need to change my car's valves. They weren't changed before. What might be the price of fixing that, if my valves are damaged?

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

If your vehicle is equipped with the 2.0L Vin 3 engine then it is an interference engine. Which can bent valves if the belt brakes during engine operation.

If you had bent valve on this engine then you would not be able to start and drive the car.
A timing belt can break if the tensioner is seized putting too much pressure on it. Also if there is an issue with the installation.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-timing-belt-works

If the valves are bent you will have to rebuilt the cylinder head and possibly pistons as well. Depending on the damage.

I have attached the installation instructions below.

Please let me know of any questions.
Thank you.

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