Timing sprocket question... auction purchase!! (Page 1/1)
xquaid APR 01, 10:14 AM
Hello everybody!

I purchased a non-running 2005 Kia Sedona EX for only $425 at a local Police Impound Auction: Sadly, this was the minimum purchase price, or I would have offered $100.
The van has 96,000 miles, clean leather interior, all power options, windows, and locks work well! The body is in better than average shape with no rust and minimal dings and some scratches. (Average for a 10 year old vehicle) The van is not running as the timing belt is not fully connected since one of the timing sprockets was removed......

My QUESTION:
Why would anybody remove a upper engine timing sprocket?
The engine has the timing belt attached but one of the pulleys is removed and sitting inside the car.
- Is this a foolish action?
- Do you think somebody tried to change the belt then gave up?

What are your thoughts or advice?

------------------
Exercise Education Expert, Fitness Motivator
US Army Veteran
Founder - www.FitnessPatterns.com

tebailey APR 01, 11:10 AM
Might have been getting ready to pull the head. Not sure if that's an interference engine, but if it is and broke a belt it will have internal damage.
xquaid APR 01, 11:19 AM

quote
Originally posted by tebailey:

Might have been getting ready to pull the head. Not sure if that's an interference engine, but if it is and broke a belt it will have internal damage.



tebailey,

Thank you for your response
The belt is still connected and appears to be in good shape. (No visible tears or cracks)
I understand there is no way to know what the previous owner was thinking when one gear is laying on the front seat: Very odd.

You mention redoing the head: I noted the coolant container is full of water; no coolant. Not sure if this helps?

Thanks!

Tstang429 APR 02, 02:28 AM
With timing if a tensioner fails it can cause damage as well. Pull the rocker cam cover and look real close at the rockers. see if anythings loose bent or out of place. One reason it could be apart as seeing as you said police auction. Someone purposely damaged it before loosing it to a repo.
tebailey APR 02, 10:01 AM
Before anything else pull the valve cover and check for damage. Then pressure test the cooling system. If all those check out OK then reattach the gear and belt and check comp. You may have a winner, or a piece of scrap, those should tell you before you stick a bunch of money into it.
xquaid APR 02, 11:58 AM
Thank you both for your responses.

I realized accessing the lower timing cams and tensioners will be a Bitc*!
I will check the valves and cooling before wasting time on the sprockets!

Thanks again for your help You guys rock!