1.8T trouble - is it terminal?

[Mike2000]

When I tried to start my Rover 75 1.8T yesterday, the car jolted almost as if I had left it in gear (I hadn't), but did not start, On turning the key again the starter motor was spinning fast, with no response from the engine.


Looking at the car this evening I see I also have a coolant leak from the area of the water pump.


I'm told it could be the timing belt (that's only 3 years old & done less than 10000 miles).


Any informed ideas on the problem, and whether the car is savable?

[ceedy]

Best get plastic the top cam cover off as starter.
at least you can see what's going on in that area.

[SD1too]

Hello Mike,

The fast spinning starter motor is not a good sign, I agree. As Ceedy says, the next step is to expose the timing belt and have a look.

Do you know whether the tensioner was renewed when the timing belt was replaced 10,000 miles ago? If not, that may be the cause but you'll need to look to find out. The belt won't spontaneously shred itself after such a low mileage.

Your car can be saved. It's a matter of time and money.

Simon

[Mike2000]

Originally Posted by SD1too

Do you know whether the tensioner was renewed when the timing belt was replaced 10,000 miles ago? If not, that may be the cause but you'll need to look to find out. The belt won't spontaneously shred itself after such a low mileage.

Simon

The invoice predates my ownership of the car - all I know is it lists a timing belt kit, water pump & aux belts.

Originally Posted by SD1too

Your car can be saved. It's a matter of time and money.

Simon

It's not time I'm worried about - the money though .....

Unfortunately I don't have time to properly assess the car for the next week or so.

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by Mike2000

The invoice predates my ownership of the car - all I know is it lists a timing belt kit, water pump & aux belts.

I'm certain that the previous owner would have been charged for a tensioner if it had been replaced. What's the total mileage of your car Mike?

Simon

[Mike2000]

No mention of a tensioner in the listed parts.


The belt was changed 04/06/16 at 116,000 miles, car has now done just over 125,600 (5000 in the last 12 months)

[Mike Noc]

Originally Posted by Mike2000

The invoice predates my ownership of the car - all I know is it lists a timing belt kit, water pump & aux belts.

A timing belt kit would usually include a tensioner, so it should have been replaced.

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by Mike Noc

A timing belt kit would usually include a tensioner, so it should have been replaced.

That's a fair point Mike, thank you. I tend to choose my parts individually so missed the significance of the word 'kit'. If a brand and part number was quoted on the invoice then fair enough but many garages will be very general with their language, e.g. "oil", so I am uneasy about relying absolutely on the word "kit". But let's give them the benefit of the doubt because, after all, the K1.8 requires only one belt and a tensioner and 116,000 is a high mileage if the parts were the originals. So what does that leave as a probable cause for an apparent failure after just 10,000 miles?

Was the tensioner adjusted properly?

RAVE gives precise instructions, but only ex-MGR dealers will have that.

Simon

[Sheraton]

Originally Posted by SD1too

That's a fair point Mike, thank you. I tend to choose my parts individually so missed the significance of the word 'kit'. If a brand and part number was quoted on the invoice then fair enough but many garages will be very general with their language, e.g. "oil", so I am uneasy about relying absolutely on the word "kit". But let's give them the benefit of the doubt because, after all, the K1.8 requires only one belt and a tensioner and 116,000 is a high mileage if the parts were the originals. So what does that leave as a probable cause for an apparent failure after just 10,000 miles?

Was the tensioner adjusted properly?

RAVE gives precise instructions, but only ex-MGR dealers will have that.

Simon

I'm sure the Kits have instructions for Tensioner Adjustment


from what i'm aware - a New Tensioner Bolt should also be used - I'm not sure exactly why ? is it a Stretch Bolt ? - I used a New Bolt regardless



Paul.

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by Sheraton

I'm sure the Kits have instructions for Tensioner Adjustment

Are you Paul? Maybe the kit used on Mike's car did but maybe it didn't (all but one for the KV6 don't give instructions). In this case we will never know so doubt should prevail.

My question was, though, not whether the kit has instructions but whether they were followed. Again, we don't know but if the belt has broken or become unlaced (and that has yet to be proven), then something must have caused it and from doing the job myself on my own car I know that the tensioner setting is crucial.

Simon