TIMING BELT BREAKAGE
On engines equipped with a timing belt, it must be inspected regularly and
replaced at the prescribed interval. When it comes to engines with timing belts,
there are two types: interference and non-interference. These terms refer to what
happens when the timing belt breaks and the valves are “out of time” with the
pistons. The valves on interference engines come so close to the pistons that they
will collide if they are out of mechanical time with each other. This collision
usually occurs at highway speeds; hence, the collision between the valves and
pistons is often violent. Catastrophic engine failure always occurs, and either the
engine needs major work or it has to be replaced.