Could a Timing belt that was timed wrong cause my engine to seize.

2002 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
84,000 MILES
Avatar
HOLLY PETERSON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I recently had the timing belt adjusted on a 2002 VW Beetle 1.9L TDI.
3 days after we picked it up from the shop, the engine completely seized. The car had no problems with engine before it was worked on. The owner refuses to talk or resolve issues.
Thank you for any advice in advance.
Dec 28, 2011 at 10:19 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
CARADIODOC
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 34,308 POSTS
Why was the timing belt adjusted? That suggests there was a problem that needed attention already. Adjustment is not a normal maintenance item.

Anything done improperly with the timing belt will not cause the engine to seize up. It may stop running but that is not the same thing. If it's really seized up, the cause needs to be determined first before blaming the first shop. If the shop did something wrong, it's unlikely the engine would have run fine for three days. Lack of oil, loss of oil pressure, and a broken internal part will cause the engine to suddenly seize up.
Dec 28, 2011 at 10:27 PM