Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Darth Loo-knee on 22 October 2007, 21:51:11

Title: If a Cambelt Tensioner Broke
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 22 October 2007, 21:51:11
Whilst driving, the valves would get bent... so would you need to change the whole top end? Is it as simple as taking the top off a good one then fitting it onto the damaged one or not?
Title: Re: If a Cambelt Tensioner Broke
Post by: TheBoy on 22 October 2007, 21:56:23
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Whilst driving, the valves would get bent... so would you need to change the whole top end? Is it as simple as taking the top off a good one then fitting it onto the damaged one or not?
Pretty much, though you'd need to check no piston damage.
Title: Re: If a Cambelt Tensioner Broke
Post by: justme on 22 October 2007, 22:03:41
Especially the top piston ring which gets pinched apparantly.
Title: Re: If a Cambelt Tensioner Broke
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 22 October 2007, 22:10:20
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Whilst driving, the valves would get bent... so would you need to change the whole top end? Is it as simple as taking the top off a good one then fitting it onto the damaged one or not?
Pretty much, though you'd need to check no piston damage.

I am only asking as years ago I remember my dad saying something about overhead cams don't bend valves or something like that :-?
Title: Re: If a Cambelt Tensioner Broke
Post by: TheBoy on 22 October 2007, 22:11:12
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Whilst driving, the valves would get bent... so would you need to change the whole top end? Is it as simple as taking the top off a good one then fitting it onto the damaged one or not?
Pretty much, though you'd need to check no piston damage.

I am only asking as years ago I remember my dad saying something about overhead cams don't bend valves or something like that :-?
The valves do bend, and sometimes take out the guides....
Title: Re: If a Cambelt Tensioner Broke
Post by: Andy B on 22 October 2007, 22:19:47
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......
I am only asking as years ago I remember my dad saying something about overhead cams don't bend valves or something like that :-?

I suppose it depnds on which over head cam engine. Pinto engines have 'safe heads' - I've turned the cam round with the head down on the bench.
Title: Re: If a Cambelt Tensioner Broke
Post by: ffcgary1 on 22 October 2007, 23:25:15
1.6 PINTO ENGINES BENT THE VALVES. I KNOW FROM EXPERIANCE BUT THE 2.0 WAS SAFE. EXPERIANCE AGAIN, ::) ::)
Title: Re: If a Cambelt Tensioner Broke
Post by: Andy B on 22 October 2007, 23:34:27
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1.6 PINTO ENGINES BENT THE VALVES. I KNOW FROM EXPERIANCE BUT THE 2.0 WAS SAFE. EXPERIANCE AGAIN, ::) ::)

Mine was a 1600 GT or at least that's what the replacement engine was out of. All I can remember about it was the valve sizes were bigger than a 1600 but smaller than a 2000, maybe the cam was the same as a 2000. 2 days before I got married I had 2 Pintos spread about my parents garden while I made 1 good one out of 'em both.  ;D  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: If a Cambelt Tensioner Broke
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 22 October 2007, 23:46:48
Wasn't the 2.0 Cav like that?? Bend free i mean? if so is the 2.0 Omega?
Title: Re: If a Cambelt Tensioner Broke
Post by: JamesV6CDX on 23 October 2007, 00:41:11
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Wasn't the 2.0 Cav like that?? Bend free i mean? if so is the 2.0 Omega?

I can't comment on the 8v Cav.. but I know for sure that the 16v Omega can do some spectacular damage when the cambelt breaks - I bought one with cambelt failure once, it definately wrecked the head...
Title: Re: If a Cambelt Tensioner Broke
Post by: mantahatch on 23 October 2007, 09:22:40
Hi Chaps
If I may add my comments, the 8V cavalier engine in 1600, 1800 or 2000 was almost allways safe. the similar 1200,1300 and 1400 fitted to Nova, astra etc was not so fortunate. In the dim and distant past I have replaced many 1600+ at the side of the road.
Also it was not uncommon for the 1600+ to jump a few teeth when travelling on a gravel driveway, but was really easy to put right.

Hope this helps

Mike
Title: Re: If a Cambelt Tensioner Broke
Post by: Matchless on 23 October 2007, 11:10:36
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Whilst driving, the valves would get bent... so would you need to change the whole top end? Is it as simple as taking the top off a good one then fitting it onto the damaged one or not?

Which engine?

If Vx V6 then:..
If belt is intact then how far have the timing marks moved?
2-3 teeth, then fit new belt kit and see if it runs OK. Could double check with compression and vacuum measurement. (might be lucky)
More than 3 teeth then slightly bent valves are very likely but guides should be OK...just check carefully and rebuild.
Cambelt broken or stripped teeth, then look for replacement heads but wait until you have the old ones off.....if the pistons are damaged near the edge then rings could be trapped and an engine swap is best route.