While driving the timing belt broke/fell off, what type of damage to the engine could have caused?

CHEST0722

MEMBER
2004 SUZUKI FORENZA
2.0L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
200,000 MILES

I was driven when my timing broke or just came off. I can put a cover and see off. They tell me the valve might be bent now. People say damage mostly did to the engine. Is this true?

3 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC

Nine times out of ten you will be okay. This is a non-interference engine but on rare occasions a valve can connect a piston. The only way to tell is replace the belt and see how the engine runs or do a leak down test by removing the valve cover and rotating the camshaft to shut the valve manually. Here are the instructions on how to change the timing belt in the images below. You will need to rent an electric impact gun and use a jack and a piece of wood to support the engine from the bottom. Please let me know how it goes.

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Friday, February 24th, 2023 AT 12:41 PM

CHEST0722

MEMBER

The mechanics here said $800.00 to $1,000.00 to put on a timing belt kit on my vehicle listed above. They said mostly engine gone if belt come off. You say not, my is a non-interference engine. Are you sure? They say valve mostly hit piston.

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Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 AT 12:13 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC

Sorry I found this, so I was wrong.

From the manufacturer. The 2004 Suzuki Forenza is equipped with an interference engine. The engine in this vehicle is a 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine, and it is an interference engine design. This means that if the timing belt were to break or slip, the valves and pistons could collide with each other, causing significant damage to the engine. Therefore, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's recommended timing belt replacement schedule to avoid costly engine repairs.

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Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 AT 6:37 PM