The timing chain is a vital component of an internal combustion engine that synchronizes the movement of the crankshaft and the camshaft. When a timing chain breaks, the camshaft and crankshaft will no longer be in sync, and the engine will no longer be able to operate properly. This can cause the engine to stall or even seize up, which can lead to serious damage to the engine.
In some cases, a broken timing chain can also cause the engine to "blow," which means that the engine block or cylinder head will crack or break. This can happen if the broken timing chain causes the pistons to hit the valves, which can create a lot of pressure inside the engine. This pressure can then cause the engine block or cylinder head to crack or break.
Therefore, it is important to replace a broken timing chain as soon as possible to avoid any serious damage to the engine.