If the timing belt goes up in smoke, how long before the engine is fried?

 

Immediately if you are anywhere over 1100 RPM. Even under, you are casuinmg serious damage. Are motors are interference motors....meaning there is ino gap between the valves and the pistons on up stroke if the belt fails. Your timing belt goes, (more than likely your tensioner failed) and your pistons slam into your valves...TOASTED.

 

Hahah, if the timing belt breaks, or more realistically one the belt tensioners take a crap, you are going to know right away. And your valves are going to get bent to hell. Best not let it get to that point.

 

Thanks!

Do they break earlier than , say 80000 miles?
I ask because it seems like 80000 to 100000 miles is the norm but I can't believe they ALL last that long....

How much is a repair of this nature?

 

I have heard stories of timing belts going on Audis as early as 40k miles. Now those are rare cases. I didn't get mine done until 95k miles. That was pushing it and I was a bit nervous. I would say best to get it done prior to 90k miles. After that you are good for another 100k before you need it again, at least that is what my sticker says.

I spent a little under $900 for my whole timing belt service. But if you go to a dealer expect to spend $1200+. Indy mechs > dealer ANYDAY.