98 mondeo timing belt - damage or no damage.

the merchant

A friend's 98 mondeo 1.8 diesel wouldn't start. I pulled.back the timing cover while he cranked it ... Camshaft wasn't turning.

What are your experiences with these - is he guaranteed valve damage? Car not really worth any more than a belt.

richardsheil

Damaged.

Snookered, I am afraid

shamwari

That engine is an interferance engine, i.e. valves and pistons can meet. Did the car die when starting or whilst running? If on startup, he might have got away with it.

Also those engines have two belts, one driving cam and one driving fuel pump. If the latter only has failed then you are in luck (although you did say that cam wasn't turning!) Also both must be replaced as a pair.

the merchant

Was ticking over when it stopped unfortunately.

The car's as rough as a badger's back side so won't even bother doing a belt.

Thanks for the replies.

Oblomov

The area of damage varies, can be anything from a couple of valves to a broken cam bearing holder..... best to have a quick look, take the valve cover off and check.

If it's as bad as you say, scrap iron is selling at...LOL

ianobrien

I've seen the consequence of a timing belt break on a 99 diesel Mondeo. The camshaft snapped! It broke between number 1 and 2 piston. The car was doing "only 60mph" when "there was a bang and it stopped" according to the owner.

Darsad

Sounds to me like the camshaft has seized seen it before you may be lucky but its head off and to the machine shop !