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[Dave G]

Morning, just got the Omega (2.6 V6 auto) out of the garage this morning - no problems. Left it turned off on the drive for 30 mins or so.

Got back in to go out and the engine's making a terrible clattering noise. Switched off - looked for anything obvious, saw nothing - tried again and the noise is worse. One more try to get it back in the garage and the noise was terrible then the engine completely died.
In the old days I'd have said the noise was like very slack tappets, but louder. No codes showing except for a 1612 from ages ago.

Can anyone shed any light? I obviously can't move it now for fear of causing terminal damage.

Many thanks.

[cam.in.head]

inpossible to say realy but sounds like a tensioner has failed or a valve . a drained tappet or two wouldnt cause a stall .
this  needs a good investigation !
l
the only way to be sure is to remove the aux belt and undo the timing belt cover .( even a bit to look inside !)
if belt seems ok then maybee try gently turning engine on front crank bolt (clockwise only)
try to find something before attempting any further cranking '

[Doctor Gollum]

Cambelt

[Dave G]

Thanks for the advice guys. What you say makes perfect sense.
I’ll try to get the car back into the garage to work on it, but the drive’s uphill. Grrrr.

The engine hadn’t been started for 8 weeks before today. Relevant??

[STEMO]

Cambelt

I didn't want to say that because I'm not experienced enough, but it certainly sounds like. 

[Doctor Gollum]

Unfortunately, once it's past the 4 year mark it becomes a lottery, especially if the car is lightly used.

Had you said it's a bit tappety, then that might be normal for a car stood as it can take a good 10 minutes to get the oil to all the lifters.

Clattery getting worse followed by cutting out is never going to end well, but as it was idling, any damage should be minimal rather than catastrophic.

Strip the front down and report back

[TheBoy]

Doesn't sound good - no pun intended.  Could be a number of things, but I think I'd try seeing if it starts without aux belt on, in case something on the aux belt is dragging.  I wouldn't hold out too much hope TBH.  Then remove timing belt cover.  If that looks OK, oil starvation?

[Dave G]

Thanks again.
Going to try to get the car back in the garage tomorrow. Then start on the checks you guys have suggested.
Just checked codes again, and a new one from the last abortive start was 0340 - cam belt related, so I’m expecting the worst.
Car’s done 67k, last belt 10k ago, but 7 years.
I’ll post more info when I have it.

[Doctor Gollum]

Mileage and condition would suggest that even an in-depth repair will be worthwhile.

[STEMO]

Mileage and condition would suggest that even an in-depth repair will be worthwhile.

That's ok if you are capable yourself. Wouldn't like to have to pay a garage to do it.

[Dave G]

OK, car back in the garage thanks to a helpful neighbour with a block and tackle to pull it in!

Most of the front engine components removed. I can see that the cambelt is still in place and is tight. As suggested I tried to turn the crank by hand - it moved maybe 15-20 degrees then stopped. This wasn’t compression, it got solid. I did not force it.

I can’t seem to remove the cambelt cover. It’s loose but won’t wiggle out. Water pump pulley is off. Do I also need to remove the aux belt tensioner- looks like the cover goes behind it? If so, how is it secured?

Cheers.

[YZ250]

………
Do I also need to remove the aux belt tensioner- looks like the cover goes behind it? If so, how is it secured?

Cheers.

The aux belt tensioner is secured by two bolts on the tensioner bracket on the side of the cylinder head. You can feel them easier than you can see them.
It could be that your cambelt has jumped a couple of teeth. 

[Doctor Gollum]

………
Do I also need to remove the aux belt tensioner- looks like the cover goes behind it? If so, how is it secured?

Cheers.

The aux belt tensioner is secured by two bolts on the tensioner bracket on the side of the cylinder head. You can feel them easier than you can see them.
It could be that your cambelt has jumped a couple of teeth. 

This...

A pair of E10s from memory just above the alternator.

Don't try and force the cover... You will break it.

[TheBoy]

I think its E14's actually, but never trust my memory!

[countrywoman]

The engine now in my Austin had the top roller collapse and belt jumped 2 teeth, ended up replacing all the intake valves and one conrod!