my trusty punto cam belt broke today - its an N reg 1600 8v.
Do I have a head full of bent valves or is this a non-interference engine and will I get away with just putting a new belt kit on?

Its an 8 valve so should be ok. If you are worried, take off the rocker cover so you can see the valves move when you turn the camshaft

WhiteSei said:

Its an 8 valve so should be ok. If you are worried, take off the rocker cover so you can see the valves move when you turn the camshaft

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Not for the 1.6 I am afraid. Valve-to-piston contact is almost certain, at least being an 8v though, that's half as many valves to buy as our HGTs The only way to know the damage is to whip the head off and take a look.

I was under the impression that this is a non-interference engine . Can someone confirm , it either is or isn't.
1600 - 8v N reg SOHC.
Thanks

Hod said:

I was under the impression that this is a non-interference engine . Can someone confirm , it either is or isn't.
1600 - 8v N reg SOHC.
Thanks

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I'd trust Mike Salt...Post #3

I'm afraid that only the 1.1 and 1.2 8v engines are non-interference. The 1.4 (as used in the GT) and 1.6 8v are both interference-type, and so valves will be bent, and piston crowns may be dinted.

If piston crowns are dinted you need to check the big ends shells as well, because they can be dinted also.

Sorry for giving you hope but it's looking like a head-off job.

On the plus side you get to replace the valve stem seals and if the sump is rusty you can do that too. If it went suddenly you may have only one or two valves to replace. But check them all for straightness just to be sure.

Mike
Thanks for the advice - will have the head off and assess the damage.

Great forum - valuable information.