One for the mechanic please.

[spangles]

V.W. 1.6 auto golf e reg 96500 miles, driving along oil light came on pulled over checked oil, fine, carried on oil light still on a rattling in the engine started, sounded like a bearing whizzing round somewhere, then the cam belt snapped and the car cut out. It sounds to me like the AA chap has the best explanation, he says; he thinks the oil pump packed up first and then part of the engine siezed (drive shaft or cam shaft or summat, but the car still turns over. What do you think? can i have sensible answers please, i know what you lot are like.

[Colin Payne]

If the cambelt snapped then the timing would have been totally shot and the valves would have likely hit the top of the pistons and bent to hell! Serious answer is that the engine is likely major knackered, poss. top end rebuild, poss piston damage where valves have hit as well as lack of oil in the bores. Sorry to bare bad news but this is usually very major....i.e time to look for another engine or probably best a new car.

[bushwacker]

Hiya spangles,

youv`e got problems mate. Sounds just like a lubrication problem mate, ie oil pump or oil delivery to the engine.

As you said the engine still turns over, it looks as the AA man may be right that the cam belt has gone. A possible cause for this to happen is that the oil starvation may have been to the cam bushes, in turn this will sieze the cam to them so the belt breaks or strips the teeth from it either or both from the cam pulley or the crank pulley portion of the belt thats at that point on siezure.This could mean that the crank will still turn either by manual means or by the use of the starter.

What you must realise is the age of the vehicle

and the mileage .The cost of a replacement engine isn`t going to be cheap if it`s something like a rebuild from an engine remanufacturer, but it may well be worth it dependant on the vehicle condition and your feelings for it.

But have you thought of a replacement from an auto salvage yard ? most of them these days will give some sort of a warranty.

It`s very difficult to try to diagnose faults without seeing/hearing the vehicle for ones self but thats what it sounds like to me any way mate, from what you are saying, and the AA mans diagnossis. I only wish that I could help you more mate sorry.

 

bushwacker

[spangles]

Well Bush& col, ithink on the strenghth of your diagnosis i can safely push it to the scrapyard and get me tenner. I`ll have to look out for a new one . Thanks again lads. Spangles

[John S]

Spangles, before you go to your dealership to order a new engine, ask them if they supply re-conditioned or short-block engines as well (a short-block engine is where they basically replace the middle bit, and just use the very top and bottom [cams, cam covers, valves etc) of your old engine if they can still be used) - they will be far cheaper....

 

Everyone.... Get your timing chains/belts replaced about 10,000 miles before they are due!

[davidP]

John S:

Everyone.... Get your timing chains/belts replaced about 10,000 miles before they are due!

Mine's booked in to be done tomorrow - my wallet is already quivering in fright

[John S]

It will be money well spent davidP, could well end up saving you a few hundred in the long run

[Mally]

Simple maths equation,

 

Cambelt snapped = lots of money to put right

[davidP]

davidP:

davidP:

Everyone.... Get your timing chains/belts replaced about 10,000 miles before they are due!

Mine's booked in to be done tomorrow - my wallet is already quivering in fright

Cambelt service plus new front discs & pads - £953

Sometimes you have to wonder if sports cars are worth it!

[chesters1]

we have a vw golf cl ,i was pleasantly surprised that it only cost £72 to have the cambelt done at the local garage,the spares are really cheap for these cars (not vw badged spares) 2 sets of rear bearings (kits) and a set of rear brake shoes £27 inc (from german french swedish) or another

mix of those countries ,compare this to £73 for one wheels bearings (inner and outer) for our old mazda 323 1500gt (never saw another one all the time we owned it) much better.