406 timing belt snapped

[smurfio]

hi, my 1999 t reg 406 dt, timing belt has snapped whilst driving at town speed. i would like to know if the valves etc would be knackered. the breakdown guy said i maybe lucky as he new someone with same type car which had dish/dome pistons which saved the day and all that was required was new belt. someone else said dome pistons on this car is highly unlikely and that new head gasket would be required. thanks in advance for any comments/advice

[bettyswollocks]

You`ll not know for sure until you open that can of worms, good luck.

[risky1]

As betty said you'll not know till you wipe off the head...
I have 213,000 mls on my 96 406 Td and always had the belt replaced every 50-60,000mls....never a problem...
Ron.

[chopper1192]

It's most likely to have done significant damage, as it's a high compression motor. Never say never, but it's not likely to survie unscathed.

Made 303k miles in my olde 405 GRDt workhorse, aslo with 50ish k belt changes.

PS, most belts do indeed failt at start up or low speeds, is it's moving up from low revs that stresses the belt the most.