Timing Belt

MROWLEY

MEMBER
2003 HYUNDAI ACCENT

My car stalled last week on the highway and it would not restart. It was towed to the nearest repair shop as I was 40 miles from home. The mechanic has told me that the timing belt is broken and that with the make of my car he is 99% sure that the engine has been damaged in the process. He states that my only option is to get a new engine to the tune of $3,000. How costly would it be to repair the belt and possible valves if needed? Would it be more costly than getting a new engine?

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Both Accent engines this year are interference engines. So, if the belt broke and the valves bent then it is a good chance that you need an engine.

However, we need to do a little more investigation to be sure.

To confirm the belt is broken you can turn the engine over and it has a distinct sound but if you are not sure about this then we can check the compression.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

If there is no compression, then the valves are not closing and are bent, or the belt is not turning then so we need to remove the head.

At this point, if there is no damage to the pistons then you can send the head out and have it repaired or replace it. If there is piston damage, then unfortunately, we are most likely better off replacing the engine.

If you want to not remove the head, then you can put a borescope down the spark plug hole and inspect for damage.

Please run through this info and let us know what questions you have. Thanks

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