UK Car Repair: Vauxhall Vectra timing belt snapped, vectra engine, vauxhall vectra

Question
Hi John:

A neighbour has very kindly offered me his 1996 1.8 LS Vectra for free so laong as I remove it from his drive. This otherwise excellent condition car suffered a snapped timing belt before xmas'05 and was towed home. He claims that the engine just quit on him and did not sieze or give out bad noises when the event happened.

So I now need to know what I should do to effect a repair to the engine? I am a mechanical engineer by trade so would like to tackle this myself can you help?

Regards
Nick

Answer
Worst case scenario, new pistons, rings, rod bearings, valves, and a full gasket set + machine work.

Best case scenario, belt, idlers, tensioner, and accessory belts.
First thing to do is install a new belt and see if it runs.
Because the belt has already snapped it would be easiest to get a belt and install it now due to the fact that if any damage has been done to it fitting another belt to try to get it started won't hurt it any more than it already is. With the vehicle timed according to the specs outlined in the service manual it will ether start or not start. If it does not start, don’t worry about it. Just as long as it will turn over you are good for the time being. The shock of the belt snapping can KO the cam sensor and cause a no run situation. Pull the fuse for the EFI or Fuel pump and remove the spark plugs one at a time. Get a compression tester to check for valve leaks.
Compression between 140 and 180 Psi is fine “9.78 to 12.25 BAR" and if it is below that figure, pour a tablespoon of motor oil into the spark plug hole and retest the cylinder. If the pressure is unchanged, the valves are leaking and must be machined.

If it turns over and makes nasty metal on metal rapping and clattering noises you will need a new head or more. I suggest finding another 96 vectra engine in a recycling center and bringing it home for parts. That way, you will have a head and pistons if need be without the additional cost of machine work.

Buy a book, a belt, and a beer. Take a weekend and see if you can make it run. If you get into a mess, drop me a line and we'll see what we can do with it.


Regards,

John