Can an engine survive a timing belt break?

[Orange C]

Im considering buying a 97 Jetta with 88k original miles for around 2300.  I was told that the tranny was replaced at 60k and that the timing belt broke  but then was but she assumes that there arent any lingering issues because its running great.  And she cant find the service records from where the tranny and belt were fixed at the dealership.  First, how concerned should i be all together and second, with the timing belt haveing broke could there be issues down the road related to that.  I always assumed that if that belt broke your engine was in big trouble.  thoughts?  any input would be great.  thanks

[chynna30_2000]

Mine didn't, and it was expensive because they had to prcatically take the whole car apart and put it back together to get to the belt. I hope you have better luck!

[uthockey32]

When the belt brakes on that car it usually bends a couple of valves but that can be fixed with no lasting problems. If she had it done at a dealer you have nothing to worry about.

[ratball3d]

It's possible for the valves to get bent after a timing belt breaks.  Ask the owner about the status of the valves.

I personally wouldn't buy a Jetta.  One of my friends has one of the same year and it is has been a money pit.

[Ryan]

Ya things can always come back up later. But if the car is cheap it might be a good deal. Just understand that there might be an underlying cost with buying the car. My GF's 97 integra timing belt broke at 130k miles and she got it fixed for somewhat cheap a a shop and she has had a few problems since. Like the car overheating , had to replace the radiator, and wondering if it will break down.  What im wondering about your Jetta is how the belt broke before 90,000 miles. It shouldnt break till atleast 100k miles. Maybe it wasn't maintained very well, one thing to think about.

[P G]

Have a good VW mechanic look it over, it will be well worth the money!  Go to an independent VW repair shop.   It may cost you a $100 bucks.

They can give you a good assessment of its condition based on the amount being asked.   Then you can adjust your offer accordingly.

It is going on 12 years old.  It is going to need maintenance.

[Joshua T]

On most newer (especially foreign) cars the tolerances for the valves are very tight and when the belt breaks it can bend the valves. Those are a pain to repair and usually a bit costly. That's the worst possible scenario. If that was done and fixed, no worries.
If they just replaced the belt, the car is going to have potential problems. Sometimes you get lucky and the valves are just fine, but that's the best case scenario. I'd ask if the valves were checked or see if the dealership still has the records.

[fire4511]

On some vehicles, there is limited clearance between the pistons and the valves. When the piston is at the top of the cycle, the valves are normally closed. When the timing belt breaks, the valves are sometime in the open position when the piston reaches the top, and the valve and piston collide. When this happens, the vale will bend.

If the timing belt has been replaced, and the engine is running normally, then the valves either were not damaged, or have been replaced. In either case, you have no worries about damage showing up later.

Have the car checked by your own mechanic, and have a compression test done on the engine. If the compression is good, there is no issue with the valves.

[Sean]

Some engines get very badly damaged with a timing belt break and some engines are not damaged. You should check on that matter either with the manufacturers or the dealer.