Technical Ducato 2.3 M-Jet 2009 Timing Belt Slipped

[Warren569]

Hi all,

I started a thread on 'Newbie' section yesterday as my 2009 Fiat Ducato motorhome 2.3 M-Jet wouldn't start after being laid up since February. I came to start it and found battery was flat but was going into hospital so didn't charge for several weeks and after charging last weekend found it would not start. I searched the forums looking for ideas as engine was cranking but not fiirng and then got a mobile diesel diagnostics chap over last night to be told the cam timing and crank timing are out of synchronisation. We could also hear what sounds like blow-back through air filter in one of the cyclinders when cranking, so not good.
I now need to fix it and see a number of options but would like some advice from those that have repaired this engine after a cambelt slip. The cam timing has not been physically checked so I don't know how many teeth it has slipped but cam is still turning. Worst case scenario is the engine is goosed but I'm hoping it's a replacment belt, rockers and possibly a bent valve/s but not having any experience with this engine I'm not sure what to expect and whether to strip van myself or get it into a Fiat specialist. Removing injectors and cam cover/timing cover might be first option to assess damage.
Any idea of likely costs to get this fixed?

 

[jackwhoo]

Check the cam /crank timing first then you will have true idea of what is going on.
If it was running when you laid it up I can't see trying to start it with a poor battery would cause timing to slip.
Batteries are often damaged beyond use by being left flat for long periods, are you sure your battery is up to the job of starting engine?

 

[whine0]

If your belt has jumped it’s normally due to water leaking off scuttle panel that gets into cambelt cover and freezes in winter the inlet valves hit pistons and smashes inlet rockers and exhaust followers will be damaged ,this will be half your trouble because the injectors can be seized in and glow plugs too can be a minefield of trouble I can give you price guide of parts if requested

 

[Swifty2013]

On trying to start my 2013 Ducato based Swift motorhome one very cold morning in France in February this year the engine turned over but would not fire up.
My motorhome was repatriated back to the UK and my local dealer has advised that the probable cause of my problems is the timing belt getting wet and freezing up thereby causing it to slip when trying to start. It seems the dealer is aware of the issue of water ingress into the engine bay (an issue I have found on-line to be quite a well known one).
It's cost me £1,800 to rectify the damage caused.
My research on the internet has shown many instances of the exact same thing happening to others but I am not having any luck finding out how those situations were resolved or whether Fiat took any responsibility for what clearly seems to be an inherent manufacturing fault and/or a design fault.
Can anyone out there assist in my quest to find factual evidence with which to pursue Fiat ? Thanks.