I have just been given a 960 3.0l 24 valve.I am assured the belt went as the car was pulling into park.Is it worth fitting a new belt to see what damage has happened.Also I would like any advice on how the belt change is undertaken.

Get in touch with www.erievovo.com. See if they have an engine. If they do, get it, do a belt change and drive in splendor.
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Warren Bain - '99 V70GLT G-Valve > 80K mi, 89 300SE, '96 965 >120Kmi, near Manassas Va.. Check the 700/900 FAQ via the 'features' pull down menu. This post written with 100% recycled electrons.

You did say this car was given to you..? How about other aspects of the car; do you know anything else about it's maintenance? From what I understand, you have zero money in it as is. NOt sure what these cars are going for nowadays, but you might still have a good deal on your hands.
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John Shatzer, '97 V90 @ 105K

Big-time damage: see the 700/900 FAQ. You are going to require a rebuilt head.

Timing belt broke on mine 1500 before scheduled change, pulling up from a stop. I have a total of 8 valves that need replacing. My cost so far:
valves plus guides $ 220 (bought 1 extra of each);
head gasket kit $ 168
timing belt / accessory belt / spark plugs $120
machine shop $200
timing belt tensioner/timing pulley $ 130
waterpump $48

plus my labor.


www.drivewire.com is where I got most of the parts

HI there,

I've not worked with the six cylinder engines, but the 960 engine is, I believe, an interference engine. Thus, if the belt snapped anytime while the engine was running, you most likely have valve damage at the least--possible piston damage. Granted, the damage could be worse if the engine was runing at 3000 RPM while driving down the freeway instead of idling, but for our intents and purposes, I think you need to prepare yourself for a valve job at the minimum.

For replacement procedures, go to this board's FAQ section and look for timing belt replacement-- there is a great article here I have used. Also you might want to invest in a Chilton, Haynes or other repair manual for your car.

Best wishes,
Fred

Hi Fred

Thankyou for your input.It is as I feared.

Cheers

Scott

If in fact the car was essentially at idle, there is hope for a relatively small amount of damage, but you'll know more about that when you look inside. Did the P.O. attempt to stretch the belt change interval?
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John Shatzer, '97 V90 @ 105K

I think the PO did stretch it a bit far.Is it worth fitting a new belt and starting her up,or just get the head of right away.The rest of the car is in excellent condition,clean engine new tyres filters etc.

Scott

Don't even bother...on a 960, it broke valves...at the least you are looking at replacing the head. Sorry...

Chris

Sorry, but I think the extent of the damage has yet to be determined, especially based on the possibility that the car was basically at idle It's worth a peek to find out before jumping to conclusions.
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John Shatzer, '97 V90 @ 105K

Been there...done that...thought the same thing...I don't care if it was at an air impeded ridiculously low idle...if the car was running when the timing belt broke, some of those valves are DOA.

Chris

Chris

Hi Chris,
I help teach physicians to improve their end-of-life discussions with familys of brain injured patients. One of the principles is to never do anything to diminish a family's hope in the face of facts. Just trying to practice what I preach! Give the worst case scenario, but always suggest that it may be different.

Anyway, you're probably right, but it would be nice to think that every case is a bit different.
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John Shatzer, '97 V90 @ 105K

Yes, it would be nice. I see where you are coming from though...and with a person losing someone dear to them, gentle tact with a dose of realism and an equal dose of optimism makes sense. I hate telling anyone that there car is going to cost them a small fortune to fix; I couldn't be in your shoes. In this episode though, we have a car that he just got for nothing, that he has no emotional attachment to...he can shoulder the truth.

Chris

Well, it was said a bit with my "tongue in cheek", so to speak. I would in no way equate the two circumstatnces, but I do think it's alway prudent to wait for the truth
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John Shatzer, '97 V90 @ 105K