My X reg Fiat Punto engine stopped last week whilst driving. There was a slight lack of power then a clonking noise and it stopped. The AA guy said it has probably seized, but still oil in the engine and no oil leaks. He said the timing belt was very slack, so something amiss. I need to work out what this might be to decide if it is worth fixing. Could it be fan belt etc, I’m not technical at all, but would like to salvage the car at low cost if poss.

Thanks in advance

If the cam belt is loose its broken.
If its a 16V the valves will be bent.
If its an 8V just fit a new belt. Happy days.

if belt is slack but still in one piece then tensioner or water pump may be shot

Thanks guys

I’ve had an engineer look at it and he got the engine working fine - although the timing belt is very loose. The problem appears to be the gearbox or clutch, which can stop the engine. Thanks for your help - it looks like around £200 inc labour for new bearing in gearbox/clutch is all that is needed (4 hours work) and as I need a new ball arm/joint? on the right suspension, half the job is done of taking it out whilst doing the gearbox, so I’ll save a bit if I get it done at the same time.

Will let people know the out come