Just wondering what the signs are of a cam belt going on a mk1 55 sx as theres a scratching noise coming from that area but I can't see anything catching :/

Dayjw said:

Just wondering what the signs are of a cam belt going on a mk1 55 sx as theres a scratching noise coming from that area but I can't see anything catching :/

Click to expand...

Check the timing matches up. If it doesn't the chances are the belt is losing teeth. If its a 16V stop driving until the belt is proven - the belt will bend valves. If its an 8V (no touch) make sure your breakdown insurance is paid up then whack on a new belt.

the scratching noise might be the tensioner so best get a kit and change it asap. Yeah it might be a non intereference engine but when your on the motorway and it fails your going to be stuck. (unless you got recovery on your aa/rac/etc thing)

Dayjw said:

Just wondering what the signs are of a cam belt going on a mk1 55 sx as theres a scratching noise coming from that area but I can't see anything catching :/

Click to expand...

BOIIIIIING! Crunch! silence...'Oh S*it!'

Take the alternator belt off and run the engine just to confirm the noise is still there.

Almost certainly the tensioner, if you have no history or the car is 4 years and/or 48K from its last belt change, get it done.

Cheers

D

Rustbucket said:

BOIIIIIING! Crunch! silence...'Oh S*it!'

Click to expand...

Na no crunch on the 1.1 8v, just the silence and people behind you laughing.