Will breaking the timing belt damage engine on a 2000 Subaru Forester?

Yes, a broken timing belt can potentially cause severe engine damage in a 2000 Subaru Forester. An internal combustion engine operates with precise timing between the crankshaft and camshaft. The timing belt connects these two components and ensures that the valves will open and close in sync with the piston's movement inside the cylinders.

If the timing belt were to break, the pistons can collide with the open valves, causing the valves to bend or break. This collision leads to additional internal engine damage, such as damaged piston rings, broken connecting rods, and a cracked cylinder head.

Depending on the engine design and the speed at which the engine was running when the timing belt broke, the extent of the damage can range from minor to catastrophic, potentially requiring extensive and costly repairs.

Therefore, it is essential to replace timing belts according to the recommended maintenance schedule provided by Subaru to prevent the risk of engine damage due to a broken timing belt.