Here's what happens when something lodges the timing belt..

[partsguy662]

I bought this car for a free-time project, knowing there was a major issue internally. This is the end of the "fact finding" mission to diagnose the "won't run" condition. The previous owner had just put a timing belt on and started the engine....without putting the timing covers on. A screwdriver on the valve cover found its way into the running belt....here's the result.

[Daox]

Doh!

I never start engines with stuff on top of them. Thankfully, I've never had to learn that one the hard way.

[xintersecty]

working a head job myself. In my case the timing belt came off because of accessory belt pulley. Don't forget to change the valve guides. And if your doing to the work self. How are you doing it?

[partsguy662]

Honestly, I haven't decided what I'm doing with it yet. The car, like my other Aveo, has a pile of miles on it. If I can find a good head for a decent price, I'll put it back together. If not, I'll part the car out. It certainly isn't worth putting 375+ into valves, plus machine work and guides.

[jimzdat]

I bought all new valves and guides at rockauto, and just installed them myself - tossing the guides in the freezer made installation a breeze, and the new valves come with a fairly decent cut on them; lapping will usually work just fine for a reinstall.

I did have to buy a guide installation tool to avoid damage, but got it online for around 15 bucks....