I need opinions. I have a 2012 Camry LE 190k miles on the 2.5 2AR-FE. The timing chain broke while driving at interstate speed. I am not real familiar with this engine. Before I remove the head to inspect, should I have any hope of replacing the head and timing set and being able to get it back on the road or is the engine junk? My only goal is to make it a spare around town car without throwing big money at it. Yes I know this would not be the "correct" repair. Thank You for your input.

 

The engine is interference for valve and piston clearance. If the chain breaks the pistons can hit the valves.

There is a very slim chance the engine was not damaged. Here one could use a fiber optic camera to check for bent valves and piston damage. See link below:

Bing Videos

There is a decent possibility damage is limited to needing a repaired, rebuilt or used head. The valves can be bent. If one broke it would cause more damage.

I would pull the head and take a look as you have nothing to lose. Get some kind of engine repair info and read up prior to taking it apart.

The engine has a VVT-i system, and you want to keep everything straight for reassembly.

 

Thanks for the reply. You helped me confirm what I already had in mind. I'm very confident about opening up the engine, and I agree I have nothing to lose but time. I didn't even think about a camera; I guess it's time for a new tool. The cost will easily be justified in time savings. Thanks again.