Broken timing belt
 

I have a 1983 NA 944. The timing belt broke yesterday at less than twenty thousand miles...I know that this is an interference motor but the belt broke at idle. My question is: Is there any chance that the valves and pistons weren't damaged and that I may be able to just replace the belt? I didn't hear any noise from the engine that would indicate damage but I don't know if you would.
I love this little car but if the head is damaged it probably won't be worth fixing.

RE: Broken timing belt
 

Nope, if you broke the belt, there are valves bent. Mine broke at idle and I only had 2 bent, and everyone said that was highly unheard of to have soo few. Usually 4-6 is the magic number.

RE: Broken timing belt
 

Thanks Doc...That's what I feared but was hoping against hope. [&o]

RE: Broken timing belt
 

I am so relieved and so ashamed! I started to tear the car down today thinking that I was in for a difficult and expensive repair. When I removed the distributor cap I found the rotor had broken in half. There was never anything wrong with the timing belt. When the car died on the road I had it towed to the nearest Porsche mechanic. He is the one that told me that the timing belt was broken so I just took his word for it. I decided that it wouldn't be worth having them fix it so I had it towed to my house, still without looking at it myself. I feel like an ass...But a happy ass! :D

RE: Broken timing belt
 

Wow, time to find a new mechanic eh? I wonder how he came up with a broken timing belt. Glad to hear it is ok though!

RE: Broken timing belt
 

my timing belt broke while i was driving and my valves were ok so i dont think it is rare for that to happen with the 944 engine

RE: Broken timing belt
 

That is not possible. I bet you would be quite disappointed if you did a leak down test. They can be slightly bent and still run, though your performance will suffer.