cambelt snapped (ABF)

[raylee25]

The cambelt on my 1997 16v snapped today. I was doing around 60 at the time. What damage do you think its caused? I had it changed at 60k now its done 103k miles. If the repairs cost too much, then I'm gonna sell it as spares.

[Dizzie]

it's highly likely it's munched all 16 of your valves and probably done more internal damage.

If you can remove the head you'll be able to see what's going on.

[DazVR6]

Ooh....well thats gonna be expensive. The previous owner of my car had that happen to him and his car was sitting on his drive way, cost him £1500 for a rebuild, thats one of the reasons i bruaght the car, practically a new engine. If you break the car ill have the abs pump of you!!!

[Len]

Get a second hand engine and swap it. But replace the belt and tensioner on that before you put it in! With VAG parts!

If you cant do this work yourself or have mates that can then dont bother.

[vicky]

happened to my 16v last year, was only going about 15 mph at the time and 8 valves were bent. was told it was cost about a grand to rebuild at a garage, luckily my brother is very good with cars and he did it for me. the parts cost me about 300 all together.

[raylee25]

Just came back from the stealers where the car is kept at the mo and they've quoted me £2000.  Is it true that the 16v heads can't be skimmed?
Chances are that I'll get it repaired for cheap and flog it to get an Audi S3.

[Pete Taylor]

Let this be a lesson to everyone else and check when your cambelt and tensioner was last changed! If the belt has any oil on it or is shiny, get it done..

[garfayliu]

my cam-belt went last year on the ABF, bent 8inlet valves. towed to main dealer who estimated in excess of £2k for new engine and labour.
Took to my friend who sorted everything for £500, inc parts/labour.
Note in addition to above, VW recommend cam-belt change every 4 years or 40k miles regardless.

[GolfMad]

would anybody be able to highlight what comeback you may or may not have on garages who do a cambelt change.  I have had mine done recently by a experienced reliable VAG garage in my area but just wondered if they did a gash job or a newish belt snapped what comeback you may have or grounds for them doing repairs if the cambelt went?

i think mine sounds a little noisy since they replaced it

andy

[tommk3cab]

I dont know what car you have exactly, but on my mk3 when i had mine done, it did exactly as you explain, started getting very noisy, when it was warm and above like 2000 rmp. i took it back and it was explained to me that often, because of the way the tensioners work on VWs the belts are set too tight when they are first done and loosen up after an average of about 500 miles. mine is now fine and makes no noise at all.