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[Terbs]

Hi all
Disaster !!!!!!! What does the engine sound like if the cambelt has broken. Car has been on the drive, being checked out for MOT Tuesday, and I went to start it and it just whired. Initially, it made a weak attempt to start. Nothing sounds bangy or clonky. Have not done it again in case it mucks something up. I am going to try to get a friend of mine to come round to have a look (mechanic).
Does this sound cambelt....its within its time/mileage.

[Marks DTM Calib]

They spin over fast with little or no compression

[Terbs]

Yes Mark...that seems to be a good description. I see there are two small bolts on the front of the cover. If these are removed, is it possible to get in at the belt to see.
And...as the engine did not run...do you think there would be damage inside.

[Nick W]

Did you start it and turn it off very quickly the last time it ran? If so you have probably flooded it. That's a straightforward 'fix', pull the fuel pump fuse(or the relay)and crank it over with the throttle open for as long as the battery is strong. Refit the fuse and crank it normally until it starts. If it's really bad then you'll need to remove and dry the plugs - warming them up on the gas stove or with a small blowtorch is the best method.


I can't remember if any of the cams are visible through the oil filler; if they are then look through the filler while someone else turns it over for a couple of seconds. If the cams are moving then the belt is probably OK. This will save you any dismantling to check. Do this before you do the first suggestion!!!


Broken cambelts sound very distinctive on most engines, but there are exceptions.

[Terbs]

Hi Nick...
When I went to start it, I turned the key, it initially fired, then went into Whirring. I stopped immediately. Then tried again but it whirred, as Mark describes. but I only did this for a couple of seconds at most.
The last time it ran properly was yesterday, when I put it on the drive for a wash and valet. It behaved normally.

[Nick W]

Hi Nick...
When I went to start it, I turned the key, it initially fired, then went into Whirring. I stopped immediately. Then tried again but it whirred, as Mark describes. but I only did this for a couple of seconds at most.
The last time it ran properly was yesterday, when I put it on the drive for a wash and valet. It behaved normally.

So you started it, moved it and turned it off? That's the classic cause of flooding the next time you go to start it. I see this all the time at work, and the 'cure' is what I described. It can take several goes for it to start, and on cars where removing the plugs is easy is the best solution.

[Terbs]

Thanks, mate...I shall do all tests required
Grateful

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Hi Nick...
When I went to start it, I turned the key, it initially fired, then went into Whirring. I stopped immediately. Then tried again but it whirred, as Mark describes. but I only did this for a couple of seconds at most.
The last time it ran properly was yesterday, when I put it on the drive for a wash and valet. It behaved normally.

So you started it, moved it and turned it off? That's the classic cause of flooding the next time you go to start it. I see this all the time at work, and the 'cure' is what I described. It can take several goes for it to start, and on cars where removing the plugs is easy is the best solution.

Certainly is for an RX8.

.......but for an Omega.

[Nick W]

RX-8s are the worst, but it's a possibility on all FI petrol engines. The more cylinders they have the harder they are to start, and long plug change intervals are often the culprit(in my opinion). It's one of the reasons why I change mine every other oilchange.


Some of the worst offenders are: 16v Micras, Jag V8s(next to impossible to start without heating the plugs, and the driver's side require removing part of the inlet manifold), poorly serviced BMW 6s, Mk1 Focus.


The best cure is to get into the habit of not starting and immediately turning it off; if you have to move it around, go around the block, or leave it running while you move the others/get the hose etc out.

[05omegav6]

Fingers crossed that it's summat daft

[Terbs]

Fingers crossed that it's summat daft

I got fingers, legs, willy and everything else crossed Al.

My fiend is coming round, so I am not going to touch anything till he gets here.
Belt is two and a half years old on 23000 miles. Conti belt

[Kevin Wood]

Unlikely to be the belt, I'd say. Often if they're badly flooded the bores get washed so it seems to be turning over with reduced compression too.

Charge the battery fully, Foot on the floor, crank it for 5 second periods, resting between, then foot off the gas and try and start it.

If it does start, keep the revs up for 10 seconds or so, then take it round the block, as said.

[Terbs]

Result........flooded.
Nick....champion mate.

Friend came round, tried the keys gingerly then said..'Thats not belt, it attempted to fire' albeit almost non existant...so he gave it the gun and away it went.
And on top of that, he said he would take it in and test it...he is an MOT tester !!!!!!!!!!!
So relieved ..........so spare cash can still be put towards number 3

[05omegav6]

Get that man a pint

[The Sheriff]

Nice one, Nick