timming belt

127,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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JESSE RIVAS
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  • 1 POST
on my 1999dodge stratus if my timming belt broke at an idel will there be any other damage?
Feb 28, 2011 at 8:41 PM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,397 POSTS
Yes. That's an interference engine meaning the open valves and the pistons occupy the same space but normally not at the same time. When the timing belt breaks or even just jump three teeth, the open valves will hit the pistons and be bent. There's two sensors that detect when the belt has jumped. When it jumps one tooth the Engine Computer will turn on the Check Engine light and set a diagnostic fault code in memory. At two teeth off, the computer will shut the engine down. At three teeth, valves get bent just like on most import car engines.
Mar 1, 2011 at 2:02 AM
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