Is the timing belt broken ?

Sir Galahad

Reversed my car (2007 VW Golf) into my parking space. Next morning it won’t start and when turning over it feels like it’s “spinning without any resistance “. I’ll get it recovered to my mechanic tomorrow but my guess is the belt snapped. Any thoughts ?

Oops!

Sorry, can't see it from here.

Deminiman

The starter might be spinning and not engaging, might not be as bad as you expect. You could give it a few taps and see does it engage

Sir Galahad

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120565110#Comment_120565110

Hmm, thanks I'd not thought of that. It'll be a shame if it's scrapped as it has really good heated leather seats and five months NCT, VW alloys and great tyres.

bazz26

You will get good money selling those seats and wheels separately if it comes to it. Still plenty of lads with Mk5 Golfs who would foam at the mouth for those bits.

mk7r

What engine is in it and when did you last change the belt?

antodeco

Starter motor could also have just come loose so it's spinning around. You could try a bump start and see does it get going

teediddlyeye

So it parked up fine and then wouldn't start?

What engine is it?

Sir Galahad

Well here is an amazing result. I called Aviva rescue and expected a tow truck. They send a mechanic first to fix or diagnose the issue. I spoke to him from my office and told him I'd turned the car around in it's parking space and just reversed in and he immediately suggested it might be flooded. I was thinking "that's something my wife would say" 🤣 and said I'd wait for him to plug in his diagnostic tool . . . . . . . Guess what ? It was flooded. I can't believe it. Four days sitting in the parking space and it wouldn't start. It was flooded. Great service from Aviva.

SCOOP 64

Surprised by that most insurance breakdown services turn up with a breakdown truck and tow you nearest garage and you make you down way home.

I am with Aviva but have not had to use the service.