Timing chain broke while cranking engine

Question

Ssang Yong korando 2013 has only 50000 miles (80000 km), has an interference engine, drove it today normally parked it and turned it off, 2 hours later I comeback to the car and try to run it doesn't run, had a mechanic quickly look at it and seems like the timing chain broke, in that case is there internal engine damage (bent or broken valves and pistons) or no? Since the car wasn't running or moving when it broke and the engine wasn't turned on afterwards

Is there a chance that the damage is only the chain or it's kit? Or is there for sure internal engine damage?

I wanna have some sort of an idea before I have a mechanic take the engine apart

Chuck Tobias · Accepted Answer

If the timing chain broke while cranking that might have been enough to bend valves. (If the crank continues spinning but the cams aren't then something has to give.) You might want to examine the cylinders with a borescope to see if damage is visible.

Dan · Answer

Timing chain broke while cranking engine (...) Ssang Yong korando 2013 has only 50000 miles (80000 km)

That's incredibly unfortunate, I love those smaller SsangYong SUVs - what engine does it have?

I'm afraid it has an engine developed and made by SsangYoung so I can't advise on how common it is.

Is there a chance that the damage is only the chain or it's kit? Or is there for sure internal engine damage?

There's a pretty high chance of internal engine damage.

Also when a chain breaks during crank it's not a good indicator at all, after the head is off before proceeding with a rebuild the crank needs to be turned over a few times, the cams and cam seats must be inspected.

Keep in mind that a chain broke, I really recommend taking it apart completely and inspecting everything including the cylinder walls (look for scuffing and deformation into an oval shape)

Especially look into the condition of the oil pump and replace the oil pickup tube filter (on a lot of new cars it's built into the pickup tube)

Perhaps you might just want to get a used engine, a new one is about $3k...

I wanna have some sort of an idea before I have a mechanic take the engine apart

It's going to be very interesting to see what's inside.