tommypilot

190K. (I've owned it since it was new) I was going down the highway at around 65mph, and the engine stopped. No noises, other than a "whoosh sound", very briefly. No grinding. Just a faily smooth and fast stall. I suspected immediately it was the timing belt.
I had no choice but to have it towed to a mechanic, nearby. They are telling me new timing belt, (with a water pump), for $1000! just to check if the engine is toast.
Thoughts? I am very mechical and can do all this myself, but what are my odds that the engine is not a mess inside. ie, new timing belt and off I go? I am thinking miraculous.
Thanks for reading.

Son2BEHO

Throw a timing belt on and check your compression problyy bent some valves maybe you'll be lucky though

tommypilot

Follow-up.
New timing belt put in. No damage! Good compression, etc.
I guess I am one of the miraculous statistics who got lucky with this, since it's an interference engine. Lesson learned. Save yourself the heartache and change out your timing belts when you are supposed to. Admittedly, I changed mine last at 80K miles. It blew at 190K.
The only draw back is...the shop bill, but it coulda been much worse.

jeddyten

Got a 90 dx with same setup...blowed belt a few weeks ago..no damage and a $75 timing belt kit install and back to normal. These have a high clearance head from what I understand.

tommypilot

I was all set to junk it, after reading countless posts about how damaging this can be. Time to get a lottery ticket, I suppose.
Good to know it's a high clearance head. It doesn't seem too hard to change out the belt, referencing my Chilton. I'll give it a shot and save money next time.