CAMBELT TENSIONER GT TDI 1999

[HONDA]

The AA have just brought me home and I need help please. The engine lost power and there was a awful clanging noise but until I switched the engine off it kept running.I tried to restart it but it would not catch.The AA fella checked it had fuel,checked the rockers were turning and the belt was not broke and that diesel was getting through. All ok. The belt still seems to be tensioned but could it ,if the tensioner has broke just allowed the belt to slip around and put the timing out. We did spot a little piece of metal laying on the cover under the engine but by the time I got home and removed the cover it had fallen off. Perhaps it is something else that you may know of. Oh yes he also checked via his lap top whether all cylinders had compression and they have.Any opinions on just what the problem is would be greatfully received.

[sharman]

Used to have one of these(110).I'm pretty sure that the tensioner is actually a roller bearing, maybe this has collaspsed? I know it cost me around ?350 to have my cambelt changed and service at VW. This was done at 40K Miles and they charge you ?50 just for the tensioner(bearing)!! Had to be done though because of the warranty.
If you've had the cambelt changed at VW, they should have changed the tensioner, so you may have a claim. Either way, I'd contact VW. Hope this has helped.