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[Allenm]

On Saturday, driving (slowly) round local roads, there was a horrible noise, then the whole car started shuddering, EM light flashing like mad, then died.
Called the AA out who listned to it, and proclaimed it to sound like the timing belt had slipped and pistons were hitting valves!!!

I have towed it into the local VX garage for confirmation of the actual problem, but working on the assumption that the cambelt has gone what are my best options.

The car is a 1999 V Reg 2.5 Petrol CDX Manual - 135K on the clock, is it likely to have enough value to make it worth repairing?

Do I just walk away and look for a new car? or

What would be of value to remove from the car? bearing in mind that I am no engineer and wouldn't have the tools to remove anything serious.

Any thoughts?

Merv

PS.  In answer to the obvious questions, yes the change was overdue, so my own stupid fault!  Sods law, I spent so long looking for a replacement (how do you replace an omega)! that the basics were being neglected  I hang my head in shame and stand up as a lesson as to why Cambelt changes are a REAL requirement.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Where abouts is it?

[Allenm]

Crownhill, Milton Keynes

[bob.dent]

PS.  In answer to the obvious questions, yes the change was overdue, so my own stupid fault!  Sods law, I spent so long looking for a replacement (how do you replace an omega)! that the basics were being neglected  I hang my head in shame and stand up as a lesson as to why Cambelt changes are a REAL requirement.

You said it!!  

However, I feel for you as had cambelt go on one of my previous cars a few years ago. Wanted to cry when I got reair bill

[TheBoy]

Crownhill, Milton Keynes

Oh no, not those bloody cowboys  

[Marks DTM Calib]

Hmmm......they will probably quote 2.5K ish for a new engine.....a pair of second hand heads, gasket kit and a weekend should see it done......ow yes, dont forget the cambelt kit.

[Allenm]

Crownhill, Milton Keynes

Oh no, not those bloody cowboys  

I know!!  I just couldn't think of where else to say when the AA guy asked me where to take it to.  Plus given how much money the sods have had off me for this car, I figured it may help my bargaining position with them if I get another car there.

  

[nixoro]

Sorry to hear of your bad luck would it not be possible to get a second hand engine fitted only some breakers offer to fit aswell might be worth asking.

HTH

[archermk]

That's bad news, being 5 minutes away (Haversham) I wish I could help, but spare hours are rare at present. Given that Crownhill may not give you too much for it, is it worth parking it up on your driveway and doing as Mark says, but take your time about it? Its not really old enough to scrap and it would be a good way of learning.

J

[TheBoy]

I agree with archermk if thats an option. Of course, if you're taking your time, you may have to get a temporary run around....

[nixoro]

If you go the DIY route it will probably drive all the better for having it done.

Plus knowing that you have done all the work will be a big bonus.

Good Luck which ever way you go.

Roy

[Marks DTM Calib]

Do I smell a head changing party!

[Allenm]

I guess I am somewhat at the mercy of what the garage tell me!  
If they say "yep, cam belt gone new engine job" how would I know what
would be required,  or is it as simple as Mark's list.

When I say I am no engineer, I mean it,  I don't even follow the how-tos with any great understanding, and have no tools for car work at all.

But a head changing party could be a great idea.  I could easily supply the bacon butties and a bottomless vat of tea,  and after party beers!  
Hell, I could even video the work for the ultimate in how-to entries.
As for doing it, what the hell is a plenum exactly? :-?

Merv

[Marks DTM Calib]

I would say that with 3 guys it could be done in a day easy, it takes two people about 2 hours to remove a set of heads.....

Vx headgaskets are about 40 quid plus 20 for the bolts, 45 for the cam cover gaskets, oil cooler goo (because its easy), 30 quid for other seals etc, 100 quid for a pair of heads (clean and prep before hand) 80 quid for cambelt kit 20 quid for water pump 20 quid for oil, filter and antifreeze.

So about 350 quid.....

[TheBoy]

I'd be willing to do some of the grunt work, as its not too far from me, but it would need someone cleverer than me to be supervising it all....