Engines should be designed so that failure of a part like a vacuum pump or even a timing chain is not catastrophic.
I have a hard time believing the vacuum pump somehow caused a timing issue, but I don’t know this engine’s design. If it is designed in such a way that a vacuum pump failure can cause a timing issue, then the whole damn engine is a piece of crap IMHO. Because losing vacuum can happen by any compromise to the system, not just the pump itself failing.
However, the reality is, interference engines are the norm not the exception these days, with the need to get as much HP output out of as little space as possible, for fuel economy etc, they are the norm.
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>> “Lost a timing chain (actually a belt) on my old Ford Escort. Ping, ping, ping then the engine stopped. Had it towed to my mechanic and he installed a new belt, no damage.” <<
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Had the exact same experience with that same engine (2300) in a Ford Ranger with high miles. Its a German designed engine first used in German Ford imports. Excellent durability.
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