OT - KIA Spectra engine - Inteference engine?

[RayP(MI)]

Wife"s friend has a KIA Spectra which has had a malfunction of the timing chain (belt?). Still runs, but very poorly, rattling and all. Is this one of those interference engines where a malfunction of the timing almost guarantees major engine damage? She had a local mechanic check it, and he directed her to take it back to the dealer - 60 miles away. She drove it! Verdict from dealer: costs more than car is worth.... Is this likely the case? Been after her to dump this car from the get-go.. Has been one problem after the other, what a pile of junk!

 

[RobMD]

oh yeah, you can bet that is an "interference engine".

My Dad's older ford escort said on the valve cover, "replace the engine timing belt every 60,000 miles or the engine may self-destruct."

My cousin's Dodge neon ate out the cam shaft and the valves because the water pump seized - which was on the timing belt.

 

[motorv8N]

Could be more than the car's worth for the dealer to do it, but for you it'll be fifty bucks giver er take for the belt and a couple three hours of your time. It's somewhat involved but not major surgery.

Now, rattling's not such a good sign. Maybe an idler pulley or tensioner has gone bad and you've got a lot of slack flapping around. Say, another fifty for those parts.

From what I've read it is an interference engine so don't run it until you decide you want to keep the car or use it for a boat anchor.

 

[RayP(MI)]

Thanks, but I'm not touching that thing. I've replaced a few timing belts, one on the side of the road. But no way am I gonna offer to touch that pile of J__K!

 

[Anonymous-0]

If it got out of time like that the valves have been in contact with the pistons, so the valvetrain will likely all have to be replaced. Still wouldn't think that would be cause enough to say it isn't worth fixing. How much could the valve train cost for a little 4 cylinder engine?. Actually the more I think about it, the engine would be about totaled, she drive it all those miles with the pistons hitting the valves which would have not only damaged the valvetrain, but also would have damaged the pistons too, and scored the cylinder walls if any pieces broke off. Might also have done irreparible damage to the head.
Gotta boat?, that engine might make a good anchor now.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Get your wife a replacement car. May I suggest getting her a Toyota Corolla? You stick the key in the ignition, turn it, and it runs.

Everytime!

Do basic maintenance, like oil changes, filters, possibly a battery every 5 years and the timing belt and it WILL run nearly forever.

Owning a Kia is no better, reliability wise, than owning a Chevy Cavalier or (shudder) a Dodge Neon! The parts are also a lot harder to get and cost more.

 

[RayP(MI)]

NOT MY WIFE! Wife's FRIEND. I wouldn't have a KIA on the place!

 

[dave guest]

Ain't this the car with the 10 years warranty?