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[mattbreaker]

Hi folks,

Broke down yesturday and the RAC told me that my cambelt had snapped I can't be sure if the valves are now busted but I'm pretty sure that the repair will be double the value of the car.

I was wondering if anyone could offer me any advice?

I was thinking about selling as a spairs or repair but I think its in too good a condition to give up on it.

Does anyone have the ability or guidance or general information on getting a re-con engine put in?

I really could do with some guidance here folks, I await your genius!

Regards

Matt

(P.S, Happy new year to you all!)

[feeutfo]

oh, opps. Some breakers on here mate. May have a lump, what engine is it?

[ians]

Yes comiserations.
Post up your car details so we can get an idea of value etc.
Do you know when the belt had last been replaced?

[Kevin Wood]

As said, what engine do you have?

It'd be worthwhile removing the cam belt cover just to be doubly sure that it was the cam belt. RAC diagnostics have been known to be wrong.

If it was the belt, it'll almost certainly have damaged the valves, but you could try lobbing a belt on and timing it up before checking the compression.

Was an attempt made to start the engine following the breakdown? Was it turning over normally on the starter or whizzing round with no compression?

If it is indeed cam belt failure the easiest fix is probably to swap the cylinder head(s) with refurbished exchange items or revalve them yourself after making sure the piston crowns and valve seats and guides aren't damaged.

Kevin

[Omega man 2]

Hard luck

Had to replace engine in mine after it blew up . Only to find that the replacement was a piece of sh*te and needs to be completely rebuilt . *cough*_megavaux*cough*

Changing the engine isn't too bad if you have the time/patience. But make bl**dy sure that the engine is a runner before the parting with any cash!

[Kevin Wood]

Hard luck

Had to replace engine in mine after it blew up . Only to find that the replacement was a piece of sh*te and needs to be completely rebuilt . *cough*_megavaux*cough*

Changing the engine isn't too bad if you have the time/patience. But make bl**dy sure that the engine is a runner before the parting with any cash!

Exactly why it's better in some respects to fix the engine you already have. Unless it's thrown a rod through the side of the block.

Kevin

[Elite Pete]

Hard luck

Had to replace engine in mine after it blew up . Only to find that the replacement was a piece of sh*te and needs to be completely rebuilt . *cough*_megavaux*cough*

Changing the engine isn't too bad if you have the time/patience. But make bl**dy sure that the engine is a runner before the parting with any cash!

Exactly why it's better in some respects to fix the engine you already have. Unless it's thrown a rod through the side of the block.

Kevin

Then you'll have to buy some Duck Tape

[mattbreaker]

Thanks for all the replies guys and your comserations!

The car is a 3.0ltr V6 elite. Its the Petrol Auto.

done 65k (i think)

few paint chips (typical of the omega apparently???)

When I pulled over, the engine would not tick over it was responding but the tick was excessively slow not enough to start.

Its probably worth Mentioning I am not a mechanic neither do I have the time/tools or knowhow! so if anyone can reccomend or knows of someone who can assist then all comments are welcome!

I am really reluctant to sell it as its such a nice car and I believe its got plenty of miles left in it (or at least it did have)

I bought the car for a cheap price and I know I wouldn't get much for a P/X or as a sale, definately not as scrap, however I don't want to spend massive amounts on the car as it just won't be worth it.

Cheers,

Matt.

[Kevin Wood]

If it was running at all after the event it suggests it might not be as bad as expected. Did the RAC guy strip anything down to confirm cause or just  suspect cam belt? I'm thinking it's possible it could be something simple like a crank sensor.

If you're inclined, I would get hold of the cam belt DVD and follow the initial steps to get to the cam belt, and see if the belt has indeed broken or the cam timing slipped. Failing that, see if there's a forum member near you who could cast an eye over it.

Was the cam belt changed at 40K miles / 4 years?

Kevin

[mattbreaker]

Hi Kevin,

i have no proof that the cambelt was changed at 40k, the guy I bought it from claimed so but its doubtful.

The RAC chap explained that the god awful smell was the burnt rubber, he had a wee look inside and saw the bent valves when I turned the key.

I've had a couple of offers already but I intend to take some snaps of the car and stick it on here or on ebay to see if the offers are improved upon.

Thanks for your help,

Matt.

[Welung666]

Matt I'm only half an hour away from you, I could pop down and have a peak for you if thats any help?

Lovin' the band

[mattbreaker]

Certainly interested mate, I'm only free evenings though which is useless for you,

I can do weekends in the day, however the next two weekends I am not around!!

But can I mail you coming up to the 23rd 24th if you don't mind?

cheers,

Matt.

[mattbreaker]

And glad you like the band!

Cheers,

Matt.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Hi Kevin,

i have no proof that the cambelt was changed at 40k, the guy I bought it from claimed so but its doubtful.

The RAC chap explained that the god awful smell was the burnt rubber, he had a wee look inside and saw the bent valves when I turned the key.

I've had a couple of offers already but I intend to take some snaps of the car and stick it on here or on ebay to see if the offers are improved upon.

Thanks for your help,

Matt.

There is no way to have a quick peek at the valves!

[Kevin Wood]

There is no way to have a quick peek at the valves!

Nope. At the end of the day, the RAC guy is interested in determining if he can fix it at the roadside. Once it's obvious he can't, anything he says is pure speculation at best. Smells of burning rubber don't bode well but until someone has had a proper look at it we don't know.

Kevin