What cause engine piston to break and make hole on the engine block

JEAN BERNARD CHOUDJA

MEMBER
2010 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE
145,000 MILES

Hi, I recently (two and half months ago) got the timing belt changed. A week ago, as I was driving on the free way, I heard a big bang and the engine stooped. My insurance appraiser looked at it and find there were a hole on the engine block and peaces of the piston where everywhere. He told me my timing chain might have been broken and that is what caused the damage. I want to make sure the timing failure can cause the issue. If no what can be the reason of the issue?

3 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Timing chains when they break will et the valves hit the piston and if at a higher speed will damage an engine like you describe. I think when you said timing belt was replaced you meant accessory belt for A/C alternator etc. That is different from a timing belt. Your car has a timing chain. Also poor maintenance can cause early failure like yours. Meaning oil needs to be changed at 4,000-5,000 mile intervals.

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Thursday, June 8th, 2017 AT 6:18 AM

JEAN BERNARD CHOUDJA

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thank you for your answer. I made a mistake. The timing chain not belt was replaced by a mechanic.

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Thursday, June 8th, 2017 AT 7:57 AM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

If it were done recently then it may have been of poor quality or no tension-er's were replaced as they should have been. Guess the mechanic is getting you another engine. Or it is see you In court keep your receipt from the repair as proof.

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Thursday, June 8th, 2017 AT 12:03 PM