Replace Engine?

[cbe696]

I have 91 Nissan Maxima, 3.0 V6 Engine. The timing belt broke and I was told by different people that "if the timing belt broke, the engine also needs to be replaced". Can anyone verify this for true or is there any sign of finding out if I only need to replace the timing belt?

[Paonessa]

i think it's a chain not a belt. it may be a belt on your year but regardless it's quite possible your pushrods got bent after the chain snapped. my friend had a 94 se and the belt snapped(at 300,000) and the car was totaled. he wasn't mad though, 300,000 is way more than normal life expectancy of a maxima.
you may need serious engine work, which might be expensive enough to warrant a new engine. so, it's possible

[Lordrandall]

The 91 Maximas have a VG30E with a timing belt. I believe the VG is an interference engine, which means you may have some bent valves and other bits, like Paonessa said.

If there is major damange, your best bet is a rebuilt VG30E. It's cheaper than fixing the one you have more than likely.

[KoRnboy]

I have a 91 Maxima... the timing blet broke about a year ago... had it replaced, works fine. No new engine. You're good, just make sure you have someone that knows their ass from a whole in the wall before you have them do it.