Elle wrote:

> It is an interference engine, so the pistons may indeed run into the valves,
> doing thousands of dollars of damage, when the timing belt breaks.
>
> See the guide at the following for which engines are interference:
> http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?br...&go=preset663G
> ates
>
> Damage is not guaranteed. It is simply possible. It does occur.

It may be possible that the higher the engine is revving, the greater the
chances of piston and/or valve damage. My brother once owned a '95 Ford
Escort with a belt-driven interference engine. The timing belt broke when
he was stopped at a stop sign, but fortunately there was no damage. It was
the mechanic who replaced the belt who suggested that the low idle possibly
saved the engine from being damaged. Does this theory sound realistic?