Timing Belt Gamble

derickson4481 · Post by **derickson4481** » 11 Nov 2016, 09:19

I've searched forums, basically all I am reading is that if a timing belt breaks(as mine did), the valves need to be repaired. I am not desperately in need of this car as transportation, but would like it back in working order as soon as possible, am hoping to get some advice on the route i should take, and because I cant do the repairs myself right now(no garage or tools where I currently am) I need to get the most value for my money as possible.

My question is, what will be the best route for me to take to repair this beautiful car. Would it be better to do an engine swap, send my car to a machine shop for valve work and then replace the timing belt, or can I role the dice on JUST repairing the timing belt and hoping none of the valves are bent? (I know the last is more of a hope and a dream at best, but is there any possibility that the valves aren't bent? Does rpms or speed have any impact on those chances I was on a side road and costing when the engine shut off).

Because of what I have read I am leaning toward an engine swap being the most valuable route, but I am really not sure right now.

Post by **alschnertz** » 11 Nov 2016, 14:23

Tough call.
I have no first-hand experience with a broken timing belt on a white block, but have also heard that it is an interference engine.

I think changing the engine would be premature at this point.

I guess you could try having the timing belt changed and hope for the best. If it does have a bent valve though, that labor money will have been tossed away.
Or just suck it up and remove the head to inspect / repair.
How many miles are on this car? Why did the timing belt break? lack of maintenance? In that case, it may be better to change the engine.

derickson4481 · Post by **derickson4481** » 11 Nov 2016, 15:51

~130k miles, I am the third owner, the second guy that had it only had it for a few months as he just bought and sold cars. When I bought it he told me the timing belt had been changed at 100k. Im thinking that was a lie. And if that is the case, it was lack of maintenance. Im really starting to think that an engine swap or getting a new car is going to be the correct route, makes me sad I didn't just change it when I bought the car. Thanks for the reply.

Post by **oragex** » 11 Nov 2016, 19:03

I think, but others will chim in, the "easiest" way to to replace the head IF you can get one in good condition with valves in good shape. There is a difficult part adjusting the cam gear. There is this video,

Post by **alschnertz** » 12 Nov 2016, 05:23

derickson4481 wrote:~130k miles, I am the third owner, the second guy that had it only had it for a few months as he just bought and sold cars. When I bought it he told me the timing belt had been changed at 100k. Im thinking that was a lie. And if that is the case, it was lack of maintenance. Im really starting to think that an engine swap or getting a new car is going to be the correct route, makes me sad I didn't just change it when I bought the car. Thanks for the reply.

I'm not a huge fan of that generation S40 and my 2001 has been referred to as my "problem child" on more than one occasion. But it has grown on me over the years. I bought it at 145K miles for my daughter from a family member who owned it from new so I knew it's history. It has almost 200K miles now and still is returning 29 mpg.

You're in kind of a bind if you're not able to do the wrenching yourself. Labor cost will probably exceed parts cost. IMO, the car is only worth $1200-$1500 or so in good shape. Labor and parts cost for another engine of questionable origin will likely equal the car's value.

Too bad. Not to rub salt in the wound, but think of it as a lesson learned. Always change the timing belt if you can't confirm the engine's history.