have an 1991 Audi A6 2.0l My local mechanic changed my timing belt about months ago A week ago the engine died and when I took the timing belt cover off I noticed the crankshaft gear had shattered.The mechanic and the other garages in the area are saying this happens and is nothing to do with the changing of the timing belt. Has anyone had a similar experience or know of a website this has been discussed on..

Note, I can't afford a new engine.

 

those rears are not made of the strongest material in the world but it takes a lot of force to shatter them so it could be either or and as long as you aren't trying to operate the engine as it sits you should just need a new crankshaft gear.