Hello all, My first post here.

My 03 diamante broke the water pump and the timing belt jumped 3 teeth in the front bank, and 1 in the back.
Oddly it was still running just fine as it leaked all the water.
I did not let it run and over heat etc.

Do I have to worry about piston hitting the valves with that 3 teeth jump ? or is this a valve to valve interference engine and not a valve to piston interference so I am OK.

Thanks.
Srinath.

 

It is interference.

 

Yes, but valve to piston interference or valve to valve ? Cos valve to valve I dont have to worry about.

Would 3 teeth make enough of a difference to hit piston to valves ?

Thanks.
Srinath.

 

You can take the valve cover off and check for bent valves. I'm willing to bet you bent some.

I believe it's piston to valve interference.

 

I guess I am doing valves sometime soon then.
If the valves hit the piston, would I be looking for piston damage ?
I am thinking if I dont have piston damage I'll do valves and use the car. If there is piston damage time to scrap it I think.
Cool.
Srinath.

 

I wouldn't worry about any little nicks in the pistons. If you've got a crack, then you've got a problem.

 

Nothing bent, we replaced the timing belt, the tensioner, the water pump and its running fine.
The car has 161k, we replaced the water pump and timing belt @ 128k, but I dont believe we ever replaced the tensioner. I guess its an item that has to be swapped out with every belt huh.

Cool.
Srinath.

 

yes.


Lucky you though, to break a belt and not bend or drop valves.