2004 Hyundai Sonata Timing belt replacement

SNJCOURTOIS

MEMBER
2004 HYUNDAI SONATA
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
112,000 MILES

The car suddenly stopped running and all dashboard lights ceased all. Only the radio was still working. There were no noticeable noises from the engine. I tried to start it, and it would not turn over. But there were no abnormal noises from the engine when I was attempting to start it. The tow truck driver thought that the fuel pump had stopped working based on the normal noises at startup. The mechanic told me it was probably the crank shaft position sensor. Then he called back to recommend replacing the timing belt due to age and 2-3 missing notches in various spots on the belt. The next day, after the new timing belt was installed, the mechanic said that the original problem was caused by the timing belt slipping and that I would need a new engine due to the damage to the valves and pistons. Would I have heard strange noises from the engine when I initially tried to start it after it stalled? I'm wondering if the mechanic installed the new belt incorrectly and is covering up that fact. I made a surprise visit to the garage tonight to pickup a few items and the mechanic was not there. I looked under the hood and the new timing belt was no longer installed. However, when I called the mechanic earlier in the day, he stated that I would have to pay for the new timing belt and sensor that was installed. Something is not adding up. Are there any questions that I can ask the mechanic in regards to installing the new timing belt? Are reports printed out to prove that it was installed correctly? Please help!

1 Reply

RACEFAN966

MECHANIC
5,029 POSTS

Ok I wasn't there so there is no proof to provide weather or not the timing belt was installed correctly. As for hearing noise sometimes you won't hear it if it happens at highway speed it will happen so fast that it just over in seconds and damage is done. This engine is an interference engine, meaning if the belt slips or breaks the pistons can and most often will hit the valves mending them. When you crank it then you hear nothing because the engine isn't turning over fast enough and the vavles are already bent, now clearing the pistons. So what the mechanic should do is put the belt back on and invite you over to watch hime with a compression test on a couple of cylinders so you can see the lack the compression, or you have the right to ask for this but do ask in a manner of just wanting to understand this makes thing much easier and the mechanic will more willing to help you with that understanding. Let me know how it goes. Just so you know timing belts should be replaced ever 60 to 80 thousand miles. I wouldn't replace the engine till the head was off to see if there was any damage to the pistons it may just need a new or rebuilt head.