Can snapped timing chain lead to crank damage?

[crostonian]

Had a chain snap on a Kia 4 cylinder diesel, mechanic rebuilt the head and fit a new chain, and obviously filled with new oil and fit new oil filter. The oil and filter were changed again after 1000 miles, then it was noticed that there was a slight blue plume to the exhaust gases, the engine wasn't knocking at all, then after approx 1000 more miles the engine seized and it was noticed that there was hardly any oil left in the engine.

My quesion is could the damage to the head have lead to the bottom end failing in the manner it has?

[stevieturbo]

Obviously it's up to the owner to check oil levels on a regular basis. SO running the engine out of oil until it seizes is largely the owners negligence.

But timing chain/belt failure can do lots of damage. In this case, it sounds plausible that the valves made contact with the pistons, damaging them to the point where the rings were no longer sealing properly allowing excessive oil consumption.

Piston to valve contact marks should still be apparent on the pistons if this is the case. And whoever rebuilt the engine should have seen this damage and took the relevant steps to ensure a proper repair was done.

Likely a proper repair would cost more than the vehicle is worth though.

[SuperchargedVR6]

I guess a chain flapping around under the chain cover could cause all manner of damage, including the crank seal but in this instance, it sounds like the oil was burned off rather than leaked out.

[Old Merc]

It looks to me that when the chain snapped the valves hit the pistons causing rings to brake.The engine then burned the oil away.The crank damage was caused by lack of lubrication due to not topping up the engine and allowing it to run dry.Its going to be a very difficult to blame the man who carried out the head job.The pistons should have been removed for inspection when the head was off.

[DrDeAtH]

Could have bent a conrod as well when the chain went. That wouldn't do the engine any favours.....