Technical Aaaggghhhh disaster advice gtfly rcvd

[jonti]

Cambelt snapped on the A64 at 50mph under slight load. Luckily I was able to coast into a layby and continue to work by bus (one arrived witin 5 mins !). But has the engine received terminal damage??? I'm effective at errant electrics and bodywork but my mechanical understanding has limitations. 1.9 td.

Wisdom gratefully received Thanks

 

[dazzo666]

not good!!!

 

[jonti]

Thats wot a valve said to me... Was en route to have the sunroof drains airlined out before I fitted that sunroof !!:bang:

 

[Trancendental]

How many miles were on that belt?

I think your engine will need opening to fix.

 

[jonti]

....For example I heard once of a cambelt failure on an Astra with no collateral damage....

Could have done without the recovery person smashing the front bumper to bits too :bang:

 

[jonti]

Well the belt was renewed 30k miles ago - max - but thinking about it now thats actually 3 or 4 years ago. Theres nothing for it but to have a look at wknd

 

[sumplug]

Head will need to come off and valves looked at as well as pistons. If you are lucky, only one or two valves are bent. If unlucky, most valves, and a piston or two. Also check rods for straightness too [TURN ENGINE OVER WITH HEAD OFF.]

Andy

 

[jonti]

Thanks Andy

Wot do you think to the fact that the cambelt was renewed (I've remembered) less than a year 92.5k miles) ago. I'm sure - since a new alternator was put on since (by the franchise dealer as the last recon was rubbish) both the timing and the belt hasn't sounded right....????

Thanks

 

[jonti]

I mean 2.5k miles...

 

[sumplug]

I mean 2.5k miles...

I would say you have a chance of retribution.
1st of all, it needs inspecting by an independent engineer who will write a report. If he/she decides the belt was faulty or was fitted incorrectly, then you have a claim through the courts. The engineer will testify this for you. But you need proof of work carried out 2.5k ago. Seek advice ASAP. And, do not touch the engine until inspection is finished. Then you need to get quotes for engine rebuild to strenghten your case for compensation.

Andy.

 

[jonti]

Thanks for thinking that through. My feeling is that it was the recent alternator fitment (and in particular subsequent adjustment of belt) that somehow affected the alignment or tension of the newish belt (and also the timing). Could that happen? - and could an engineer determine whether that had caused the break? I think I can find the proof of both alternator and belt fitment.

 

[sumplug]

Thanks for thinking that through. My feeling is that it was the recent alternator fitment (and in particular subsequent adjustment of belt) that somehow affected the alignment or tension of the newish belt (and also the timing). Could that happen? - and could an engineer determine whether that had caused the break? I think I can find the proof of both alternator and belt fitment.

If the timing belt is loose[causing a noise], it could jump a tooth or two and cause the damage. It could seize the engine causing the belt to snap. Alternator should not interfere with timing belt unless it snaps and entangles in the cam belt.
If the timing belt was not fitted correctly[ aligned up or tensioned right], this will again prematurely wear the belt leading to the damage again.
A competent engineer can easily determine how the damage was done. Belt will give indications usually on how it snapped. Perhaps telltale rubbing marks due to misalignment say, or timing out causing seizure and snapped belt.
Good luck on your findings.

Andy.

 

[tipomike]

Assuming the tipo diesel has a tensioner bearing for the belt like the Sedici - then if that was'nt checked and changed with the belt then that could have caused the failure by seizing up!! Good luck.

 

[jonti]

Based on all your advice - wot has happened is this....

After the new alternator was fitted by the franchise the belt squealed. I took it back once for tightening. This made no difference and the newish belt (replaced along with the tensioner a year ago) started to squeak slightly at all times - as well as severely squealing at starting and the timing seemed adrift. I was actually driving it back for further attention yesterday when the belt jumped and snapped. Given this, do you think that I still have the basis of a claim? In which case I'll get an engineer out right away.

Cheers

 

[sumplug]

Based on all your advice - wot has happened is this....

After the new alternator was fitted by the franchise the belt squealed. I took it back once for tightening. This made no difference and the newish belt (replaced along with the tensioner a year ago) started to squeak slightly at all times - as well as severely squealing at starting and the timing seemed adrift. I was actually driving it back for further attention yesterday when the belt jumped and snapped. Given this, do you think that I still have the basis of a claim? In which case I'll get an engineer out right away.

Cheers

Squealing can be caused by slack or tight belt. The squealing on startup would be alternator belt, but also could be a mis-aligned cambelt.
Lets put it this way, if you have proof of new cambelt and alternator belt being fitted, and they failed within 1 year and 2.5k, then yes, you have a good case against garage.

Andy.

 

[jonti]

Got all the documentation out. It was a year - but 10k miles ago when belt replaced..

Time flies when your having fun eh ! Still, a belt should last longer???

 

[sumplug]

Got all the documentation out. It was a year - but 10k miles ago when belt replaced..

Time flies when your having fun eh ! Still, a belt should last longer???

Still should have a claim, but seek advice from Citizen Advice Bureaux.

Andy.

 

[dazzo666]

hey jonathon,sorry to hear about the weasel mate, hope you get it all sorted,:idea: if worst comes to it buy a tempra and whip the engine outta it, can pick them up for not a lot on flea bay....
daz,,