Timing Chain Broke 98 Explorer XLT 4x4

1998 CHEVROLET IMPALA
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TPYLAND
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After stopping at the grocery store I parked and went in , made my purchases and got caught at the door of the store by the "don't steal our carts" gates. I pulled my truck up in front of the store and turned it off to get out and load up. I went to restart and without the engine really turning much let alone turning over it sounded like my starter was not engaging the flywheel. I tried starting it and banging on the starter but still was unable to start it. I towed it to the a local shop and they determined it was the timing chain and were not equipped to do the job. I towed it to a ford dealer and they said that without tearing the engine down they would not know how much damage was done(i.e. Bent Valves, etc...) I told them how it happened and they are telling me that it will most likely be cheaper to replace the engine at $5200.00. My question is, how much damage can breaking a timing chain at startup, without the engine turning over, do to the engine??? :?: :shock: :?:
Jan 10, 2006 at 9:52 PM
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COSMO
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What probably happened is that the starter was turning the engine over, but it would sound alot different when your whole engine is not turning over. Your crank shaft would of been turning, but not your camshaft. So there would be no compression in the engine, so it would sound alot different than usual. And yes, even at 200 rpm of cranking you can easily do alot fo damage when the pistons are making contact with the valve. You would probably bend valves, damage pistons and if your really lucky...bend a connecting rod. So the choice is up to you on how much to spend

Cosmo
Jan 10, 2006 at 10:35 PM
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CHOFFMAN41
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Before I spent 5200, I'd pull the heads and see if there was any piston/valve contact. You could get lucky. If no evidence of contact, just replace the chain and sprockets and go on your way.
Jan 10, 2006 at 11:07 PM
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TRIPOD67
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If it just sounds like the starter spining, it for sure hit the valves. Because it would have compression in some cylinders even with a broken chain if they wern't bent. If you have an interference engine and your chain/belt breaks you bend valves, at the very least. See above for additional damage.
Jan 18, 2006 at 5:25 AM
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LOVESCARS
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Check with an auto parts store that sells cylinder heads they will be able to tell you if you have interference cylinder heads. I don't think it's an interference engine so you should be able to get away with replacing just the timing gears etc..
Jan 18, 2006 at 2:15 PM