PF

Is my Euro -79 non inteference engine?
What can happen with a broken cambelt on a car like mine?

Advise please

gazfish

Assuming it’s the correct engine for your year then it is non interference. Check the engine code to be 100% sure.
Belt will probably cause some damage to the timing cover but not engine internals if it snaps, from what I’ve read here they will normally fail as a result of another issue such as seized water pump.
Do you intend testing the theory?

Mrmerlin

safest thing to do is remove the crank bolt without turning the crank use an impact gun.
Then see where the keyway is .
then gently turn the crank keyway to 3 O clock while facing the pulley.
Restring the belt to 3 teeth before TDC on the cams.( this is 45 BTDC)
then turn it to TDC to verify alignment..
Once thats done turn it by hand to feel 8 compression strokes .
then remove the plugs and do a compression test

GregBBRD

I play it safe and assume every Euro engine can bend valves, since I've had to repair "non-interference" engines which had the valve reliefs filled with carbon.

PF

I just want too know what could happen if it brakes. The car and engine is in very good health. Belt rollers, waterpump has few km on it but 8 years old. Would like to wait until winter so I guess I will.

Mrmerlin

if its 8 years old and under 10K miles,
I would remove the right cam belt cover check the belt and the tension,
NOTE If it looks good put it back together and drive for another 3 years and then recheck the belt,
if it still looks good then make 2 more years then replace it

PF

Thanks! I did a check of its condition and tension recently and it looked very good so I will keep it for now.

Good to know that nothing big will happen if it breaks.

Mrmerlin

NOTE The Belt shouldnt Brake or Break unless another issue causes a belt run failure.

A belt Break is not common,
but other issues like a bad water pump bearing ,
or worn tensioner bushings,
or bent pivot bolt ,
or an overtensioned condition can cause rapid wear to the belt and pulleys

PF

Ok thanks for great info. All parts was changed together with the belt 8 years ago and looks great to the eye.
I will renew all parts this coming winter.