broken timing belt?

[enzo90]

I'm looking at buying a car that had the timing belt break during start-up. i've called around to some BMW shops here and they said that the engine and everything should be fine but i'm still not sure. aside from that the car is in very good condition. i think its only got 130000 miles on a 1990. what are some things i should be concerned about with a car like this?

 

[Doughnut]

Sadly, i doubt that there is nothing wrong with the engine.
The m20 is a "contact engine" which means that if the timing belt were to break while the engine was turning, the valves will contact the tops of the pistons causing bent valves, damaged pistons and in worst case damaged big ends.
If your keen still on buying the car, expect a head replacement or rebuild.
Peace.

 

[E30m42cab]

I would expect a new/used head for sure.... seeing as the belt broke on startup, I would think the pistons would be fine, but you probably have bent a valve or two. Keeping in mind, if the timing belt was neglected on this car, there are probably many other things neglected as well.

 

[Big Daddy]

You have been given some good advice, keep that in mind should you decide to purchase the car. What is the asking price for the car and what is the condition of the rest of the car?

 

[Doughnut]

If it is in GREAT condition inside and the body is straight as hell.... I'd buy it and fix her up!

 

[E30m42cab]

^^^That's what I always say; if the body is tight, I can rebuild it! I bought all these tools for a reason

 

[enzo90]

they want $1200 for it and are including a new head, water pump, all new belts, and new head bolts

 

[E30m42cab]

For the whole car? Work done, running condition? Make sure they adjust the valves too

 

[enzo90]

for the car and parts

i have to do all the work my self

 

[Doughnut]

for the car and parts

i have to do all the work my self

Mate, if you have time, the tools and the patience...
Do it!

Good luck and get back to us.

 

[enzo90]

so i bought the car a few days ago and have the head off and everything

the pistons were fine and there was one broken rocker.

hopefully ill have it back together soon and ill post some pictures of the whole process

 

[Doughnut]

so i bought the car a few days ago and have the head off and everything

the pistons were fine and there was one broken rocker.

hopefully ill have it back together soon and ill post some pictures of the whole process

Wow!
Great to hear, were there any valves bent at all? Sounds as though you got lucky! can't wait to see the pictures!

 

[enzo90]

none of the valves were bent either so i think im going to replace the rocker with some from the other head that they gave me

 

[enzo90]

so i got some pics of my progress so far. sorry about the quality as i took them all with my phone