Has my belt snapped?

[commievid 8]

Hi all,

 

I am currently stranded waiting for options with the GTI6 I was just test driving after changing the front brakes.

 

Was going about 40-45, and heard a popping sound, then started to gradually lose power.

 

I was luckily able to find a junction to stop alongside of.

 

Turning the key makes the starter motor go, but in a way that sounds faster.

 

I have this horrific feeling the timing belt has gone?

 

It was last changed roughly 3 years ago with the intent of changing it next year, so am extremely miffed if so.

[Tom Fenton 1,541]

Typically if the belt goes, the engine will just instantly cut out.

[commievid 8]

That could well have been the case. I was coasting to a stop, so engine could have cut out. It's definitely not restarting!

[jackherer 543]

49 minutes ago, commievid said:

Turning the key makes the starter motor go, but in a way that sounds faster.

That does sound like the belt has snapped unfortunately.

 

Get the belt cover off and take a look, that's all you can do really.

[commievid 8]

Yeah, if only I had a 10mm spanner somewhere!

 

Oh well, time to think long and hard.

[commievid 8]

Yup, wife arrived with the tools and sure, enough, snapped.

 

Miffed. Just got MoT/VED/Insurance sorted out too!

[commievid 8]

Probably not the appropriate place to ask about this, but should I entertain just calling this off, how much would a decent asking price for a non-running 205 GTI6, essentially needing a replacement engine?

 

I don't realistically have any time to do anything with the car until at least Spring next year, so wondering if I should just let it go and call it a chapter of my life over.

[Cobalt_drill_bit 7]

Ok I admit i've no experience owning a GTI. But if I were you I would take into consideration if things are bothering me about the car apart from the engine. If nothing serious comes up. I would suggest to put in the effort to see what options you have on a repair of the cylinder head or a good  2nd hand replacement engine.

[Tom Rallye 3 1 Cars]

Changing the engine would take what? Let's say two days of work. What's that in your lifespan on this earth .

I can understand it sucks at this moment, but I would keep it and get the spanners out when spring arrives...

 

[commievid 8]

Yeah, swapping the engine isn't the worse job I will ever do, just the timing of it all I suppose, although is there ever a good time?

 

Will SORN and scour the interwebs for a replacement engine

[petert 586]

The head will be munted. You may as well drop the engine/box out and do it properly. Sure it can be done in the car but it's only a few more bolts to drop it all out.

[brumster 135 1 Cars]

Another car of mine slipped the belt a few weeks ago. 14 bent valves and 4 weeks later it was back on the road. Where there is a will there's a way