Timing belt snapped at 20,000

Probably not, as it appears that the work done by the garage was OK....if the garage hadn't replaced the belt properly it wouldn't have lasted 18 months.

However, it *may* be possible to claim from the timing belt manufacturer as it *may* be a sub standard belt..

Out of interest, what brand is the belt?

sPoNiX

Richard ( snipped-for-privacy@hotmail.com) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

I wonder whether this is the old story of replacing just the belt, with the tensioner later failing?

In message , sPoNiX writes

I wonder if the OP had the tensioner and idler pulley replaced at the same time as they are known to fail. Ford sell the belt and pulleys in a kit I believe.

Your not going to have any comeback from the garage, as if it was fitted incorrectly it wouldn't have lasted 20k/18months. They fail almost immediately- under 1000 miles if fitted incorrectly.

However, you *may* have some comeback from the manufacturer if you can prove the belt was fitted correctly etc etc and this would need an independant engineer to examine the belt before its touched.

That said the endura D engines get through timing belts like water but i'd still expect quality belts fitted properly along with the latest spec (we're on 4th gen of modifyed parts now) timing kit- viz tensioner, idlers and guides to last til the 36k change interval or 2 years.

You first port of call should be to remove the cam cover and look if the cam has snapped. If it has, then the head is scrap. If it looks ok, then remove the head and bent valves and see if any of the guides have shattered. If so have an engine re-conditioners examine it. If its not too bad you can have new guides fitted, and new valves etc, though at this stage you should seriously be considering either a complete replacement engine from a smashed car (with new timing belts fitted!!!) or re conned head complete.

Tim..

Personally I would have thought your first port of call would be the garage. After all, they did the work and if they think the belt was faulty they should get recompense from the manufacturer. If you're not careful you may find yourself getting split between two parties. Only deal with one and get him to sort you out and get his own recompense in his own way.

Rob Graham

Timing belts can fail through no fault of the belt itself.