Hello all,

Finally got various electrical problems sorted in the Bravo and got her back on the road today. Thanks to those on the forum for their help by the way, much appreciated. An earth short on the headlights was messing things up for me.

Anyway, checked the oil and all the various bits and she was fine. Drove to the petrol station and pumped up the tyres. Took her home and all was good. Started her again a couple of hours later and very odd rattling noise, sounded like an old Ford Fiesta tapping away. Drove off and it made a horrible high rev rattling noise when I put the pedal down. Some brief crunching and then dead. Starter spins normally, high pitched whine but nothing else.

Took off timing cover and the belt is still intact as are the fan belts and the starter motor. Eventually had to get a tow home. AA man reckons the timing belt may have jumped a tooth and now, frankly Im shagged.

Any suggestions? Starter kicks in, everything spins as it should but absolutely no sign of starting, not even turning over like a car that wont start if that makes sense! Its far more rapid and high pitched than that.

Help!

Pete

could this be a bottom end gone?? maybe the crank?? i had one do it on a susuki jeep got new engine then decided to scrap it:|

Sounds like it's had it mate


Where abouts are you??

Are you thinking of fixing it or selling it broken..... or like me leaving it in the garden to grow



Reason I ask, if your not too far away I might consider buying it and getting it going again.



either way I think it mght be in need of a new engine..... if the timing belt has moved then you could have some bent valves and it need a new head, vales etc.... which is more effort that swopping the engine



Come Join the 5 pot club! Almost standard Mk1 HGT 75k - 35mpg!! For Sale

You sure the starter is turning the engine and not just the ring gear?

Anonymous, Im not sure but when you look behind the timing cover, the belt appears to be moving when you go to start it up. You reckon it could be failing at the starter end?

Definitely nothing but a spin and a whine when I try to start.

Its in Dublin by the way Tommy so I suspect I might be too far away for you to come and collect!

Thanks as always,
Pete