[gjackson710]

I am going to have my shop put a new timing belt on my trooper. They tried to tell me it was an interference engine but after enough research I feel its a non-interference. However, I read the service techs notes and he wrote "broke timing belt and cams locked in head". What should I do? Is the engine screwed or will a new timing belt fix that???

Please help!!!

 

[mtboulder]

I'm confused. Did your timing belt break while driving? Or, are you just replacing it because it is old?

 

[Tad]

It's a non-interference engine. The warning is probably because you also have timing chains (I think - some of the late model V6s had chains - and I think that the 3.5 did). Anyway, there is a small chain in each head that connects the two camshafts. If that locks up you'd have a problem.

Replace the belt and tensioner and drive on

-Tad

 

[gjackson710]

The tech took me in the back to look at it and they said that one of the cams is locked in the head and it won't turn. Its on the right side, the left still turns. It looks like the timing belt broke because the rubber is kind of shrewded in a spot. And they said it needed oil. Help??? Is it something major?

 

[bigpoppax2]

Well the next step would be to ask them what needs to be done to get it running. And what that would cost? I would think you could get it running for not too much. I'd say they could get the cam out and fix the bearings.

 

[Tad]

Ahh, that cam might have locked up (due to lack of lubrication possibly) and that caused the timing belt to break.

Yea, get an estimate. A new/used 3.5 might be cheaper and give you a running truck again too

-Tad

 

[gjackson710]

Yeah, a salvage place in town has a 3.5l with 99k they will wholesale me for $2550. Is there any other types of engines that will work with my trooper? Do I have any other options?

 

[gjackson710]

Yeah, a salvage place in town has a 3.5l with 99k they will wholesale me for $2550. Is there any other types of engines that will work with my trooper? Do I have any other options?

 

[Amigo-2k]

And they said it needed oil. Help??? Is it something major?

if they said it needed oil it then sounds like the classic spun rod (or was it bearing?) on the passenager side; that happens when the truck is severly (like it lost 3 quarts) low on oil. Time for a rebuild.