Mitsubishi Repair: 96 eclipse. Timeing chain/ belt., interference engines, mitsubishis

Question
If the time chain/ belt goes out in a 96 eclipse does it mess anything else up when that happens.? Or do i just replace the chain...????

Answer
Andrea,
Mitsubishis use interference engines in the cars.  That means the pistons share the same space as the valves.  It's the timing belt's job to make sure those two things do not smack into each other.  If you timing belt breaks while the engine is going, the pistons and valves can collide and cause internal engine damage.  If this happened to you, you'll most likely need the cylinder replaced or rebuilt along with replacing the timing belt.
Good luck!