What if the timing belt breaks?
dxrflyboy
07-26-2004, 06:14 PM
OK. Now I'm getting a little scared. My '96 has 118K on it (bought it 10K ago). I have my doubts the timing belt has ever been changed. I've been putting off replacing it (typical procrastination), even though I know it's overdue. Well, I just read a post on carsurvey that says the van has an "interference" engine (pistons hit valves when the belt breaks). I didn't think this was the case with the Villager. Does anyone know for sure?
JEEPMAN33
08-17-2004, 08:58 AM
OK. Now I'm getting a little scared. My '96 has 118K on it (bought it 10K ago). I have my doubts the timing belt has ever been changed. I've been putting off replacing it (typical procrastination), even though I know it's overdue. Well, I just read a post on carsurvey that says the van has an "interference" engine (pistons hit valves when the belt breaks). I didn't think this was the case with the Villager. Does anyone know for sure?
If the belt breaks while the engine is doing 70 down the highway you got big problems. The two overhead camshafts stop moving. and the crank is still turning the pistons. Depending on werre the engine was firing when the belt breaks will determine what piston hits what valve. The engine will eventually stop. You will then have no power breaks, no power stearing and you will have a major repair on your hands when that happens. So get it replaced. There is a thread on this forum that talks about timing belt replacement. I personally did mine myself, and while you are at it have the $32.00 water pump changed as well.
If the belt breaks while the engine is doing 70 down the highway you got big problems. The two overhead camshafts stop moving. and the crank is still turning the pistons. Depending on werre the engine was firing when the belt breaks will determine what piston hits what valve. The engine will eventually stop. You will then have no power breaks, no power stearing and you will have a major repair on your hands when that happens. So get it replaced. There is a thread on this forum that talks about timing belt replacement. I personally did mine myself, and while you are at it have the $32.00 water pump changed as well.
dxrflyboy
09-01-2004, 12:40 PM
Well, I'm finally doing the belt at 120K. I read at another web site that Ford insisted that the VG30E engine be modified to freewheel if the timing belt breaks, but I certainly didn't want to wait for it to happen. Getting stranded and having to get towed would be trouble enough. Besides, the other belts, especially the ps/water pump belt, had seen better days, and the coolant was a rusty brown. It'll be great not having to worry about it anymore. The shop is dead today, so at least I'm doing something productive!
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