Timing belt break
I currently own a 1983 944 Porsche and up until now I have had no "serious" problems. Story: A few days ago, on the fourth of July, I was heading out to a friends. Revved up to about 4500-5000 before shifting gears, was enjoying the ride. Well I park at AmPm to buy some drinks, come out and my car wont start. It cranks as if to start.. but of course - doesnt..
1: My first step in troubleshooting was to test for spark to the distributor. (THERE WAS) Though I made the stupid mistake of not testing a spark plug as well.. So my guess was my distributor cap - which was in very bad shape. I guessed that to be the problem so bought a new one as well as rotor. Well I install it right, and put the plugs in the right firing order - but nothing. Come to find out later from some more testing that the rotor itself does not move when I crank the car on.. *However I smell gas going into the engine and the pistons do move fine.
So I figure it has to be my timing belt. I call around some places; I live in Vacaville, California by the way, and I am told by the places I call that with 944, when the timing belt breaks that it bends the EXHAUST VALVES along with it. I was wondering if this is perhaps myth, or if this is true. I noticed nothing wrong with the piston movements and was wondering if I should percede to take off the engine head and try to fix the belt myself? Or if with the bent valves it is even worth fixing?
The estimates I recieved for a mechanic to fix the engine were at $4000 dollars, $3500 dollars, and around $2500 dollars if I was blessed at not having my exhaust valves broken..
Eh well my main questions are basically.. should I attempt to fix it myself, or is the project more than overwhelming? Should I look into selling the car or spend money over the entire worth of the car?..
A bit confused really.. being eighteen and having not too much money. If anyone had any suggestions or possible solutions to my dilemma, they would be more than appreciated. Or if anyone lived in the area and could give me a hand or take a look at it - cheers.
Thanks, Vince.
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