[ashley07]

I have a 1989 2.3L Mustang which I broke yesterday.
I was driving on the freeway, attempted to go into another lane, not realizing that i hadn't shifted into 5th gear and was already going 60mph. I thought I caught it in time when I shifted into 5th. But as soon as I did, it just completely turned off on me. No big booms, big noises, anything. My mechanic hasn't taken a look at it, yet. But he's pretty sure that its the timing belt that needs replacement. The car won't turn on, it just cranks. But nothing else. Any advice as to what ELSE could be wrong?
Really need help...
Thanks.

[EagleAutosports]

Hopefully the pistons and valves didn't have a face to face meeting because that could get ugly. If it's just the belt, it wouldn't turn on because the cam wouldn't be turning so just wait to see what all went wrong. That won't be found out until the mechanic gets into it.

[b_chandler]

The 2.3 is a non-interference motor EAS. When the belt breaks, the pistons will not hit the valves.

[Memphis19007]

Originally Posted by b_chandler

The 2.3 is a non-interference motor EAS. When the belt breaks, the pistons will not hit the valves.

Thanks for that comment. I snapped my timing belt on my 88 last night and have been worried about internel damages ever since. Thanks for the help.

[john13]

Originally Posted by ashley07

I have a 1989 2.3L Mustang which I broke yesterday.
I was driving on the freeway, attempted to go into another lane, not realizing that i hadn't shifted into 5th gear and was already going 60mph. I thought I caught it in time when I shifted into 5th. But as soon as I did, it just completely turned off on me. No big booms, big noises, anything. My mechanic hasn't taken a look at it, yet. But he's pretty sure that its the timing belt that needs replacement. The car won't turn on, it just cranks. But nothing else. Any advice as to what ELSE could be wrong?
Really need help...
Thanks.

If you look at the timing chain cover you'll see a rubber plug. Take this plug out and while you shine a flashlight in the opening have someone turn the engine over. If there is no movment then your belt is broken for sure. If there is movement the belt could have jumped a tooth. In this case u would have to look at the timing marks. Gets a bit difficult, have your machanic have a look. In any case it's an easy fix.

[sleeper_inc]

Originally Posted by john13

If you look at the timing chain cover you'll see a rubber plug. Take this plug out and while you shine a flashlight in the opening have someone turn the engine over. If there is no movment then your belt is broken for sure. If there is movement the belt could have jumped a tooth. In this case u would have to look at the timing marks. Gets a bit difficult, have your machanic have a look. In any case it's an easy fix.

Timing Belt, not chain