Here's my predicament: 1997 Fiat Brava 1.6 16V

My car was fully serviced in March 05, but shortly after it began to misfire & stutter all over place leaving a very unsmooth ride. As my plug leads were fairly new i didnt change them at service. So yesterday, i decided to get a new pair of plugs & leads and went to the mechanic to get them changed. After fitting them, he started the engine & this constant transit van sounding noise came from the camshaft. This noise was'nt there before & now it is a constant sound. He could'nt really explain much apart from saying that my camshaft had gone & would need replacing. i was referred to another mechanic. So today i went down & the mechanic said he couldnt really tell what was wrong untill he took it apart, he did say something about 'buckets' within the cam would probably need replacing. He said it was'nt an easy job & would take him two days to fix & quoted £250-300.

I'm not sure what to do now, as i have been told the cost to fix this would be more than the car itself.

Please advise...

I'd certainly look for a third and even a fourth opinion on this from different garages/mechanics. Camshafts are a problem on 1.4 12v cars but I've never heard of a problem on a 1.6 16v car.

the only problem ive had is with the tappet/buckets there a sealed hydraulic unit and of course there are 16 of them, i have heard of lobes wearing out on the 16v but as mentioned i would get another opinion and a compression test done , i dont think the price of £250 to £300 is over the top as it will need the belts doing as well and i think the tappets are fair few quid each as well.

BAD NEWS....

After speaking with mechanics, i was told to get a 2nd hand engine put in. So have been looking around. Anyway, yesterday as i was driving down my street, i heard a big CLONK, and my car stopped & would'nt start again. Had to get my brothers Jeep to tow it back to my house. Guess my engines packed in.

Does anyone know where i can get hold of 2nd hand 1997 Fiat Brava 16v 1.6sx engine? My local (Bradford, W.Yorks) scrappers either dont have any or are asking for too much cash. Does anyone know of someone breaking their brava?

Any help would be great...

Re: Timing Belt

Turns out my timing belt snapped so my engine seized. I bought a 2nd hand engine that cost £150, & £100 labour to have it fitted. Cars perfect now! ThankGOD! I've decided to sell it now, so if anyones interested feel free to make me an offer i cant refuse.

Thanks!

Re: Timing Belt

You got that sorted reasonably cheaply. What mileage was on it before the belt went?

Sorry for late reply. It had done 73,000 on the clock.

Re: AT LAST......

Just thot i'd update you all & say that i finally sold my Brava. I was happy to sell it @ £800 to say i bought it for £400. Thanks to all for your help previously.