Total loss of power and flat battery

[Oldmanriver]

Had a total loss of power crossing a roundabout, engine seemed to have stalled with suddenly jolt, tried to restart but low cranking speed and then totally flat battery. Aux drive belt seems to have stripped outer edge, this was only replace a week ago. Also found this on the driveway on my return, vehicle recovers to garage as would not start with a jump pack.

 

[Deaky]

Sounds suspiciously like a cam belt failure to me

 

[DXX]

Google is a fantastic tool, it’s the cover for the alternator clutch pulley.
I’d guess that the frayed aux belt has jumped off the drive and possibly taken the timing belt with it. Possibly caused by some poor quality work you had done 2 weeks ago. Make sure you have the itemised receipts and try and keep the communications to emails so that there is a record.

 

[Oldmanriver]

That is fantastic feedback thanks! I checked the cam belt and it is in situ. Is this a catastrophic event and likely to have done other damage would you think?

 

[DXX]

That is fantastic feedback thanks! I checked the cam belt and it is in situ. Is this a catastrophic event and likely to have done other damage would you think?

Unlikely but check the lower timing belt cover isn’t damaged (crankshaft pulley area). You need to find out why it happened before replacing the belt. Pulley, tensioner and idler alignment sounds suspicious if the new belt was frayed. Maybe something has come loose?

 

[Oldmanriver]

That is fantastic feedback thanks! I checked the cam belt and it is in situ. Is this a catastrophic event and likely to have done other damage would you think?

Yes that makes sense, just seen a video where the alternator clutch pulley had seized causing the aux belt to fray, the tensioner would the. Jump up and down causing a racket which would account for the bang I heard when I lost power!

 

[Oldmanriver]

so it looks as if the aux belt has taken out the Cambelt ands knackered the engine! any idea what sort of money im looking at? is it worth going for a bare engine and swapping over the ancillaries? its had a new clutch, dual mass, alternator, water pump in the last 18 months! any advice appreciated as to options!

 

[Dellmassive]

Sounds suspiciously like a cam belt failure to me

As you said...

 

[Dellmassive]

so it looks as if the aux belt has taken out the Cambelt ands knackered the engine! any idea what sort of money im looking at? is it worth going for a bare engine and swapping over the ancillaries? its had a new clutch, dual mass, alternator, water pump in the last 18 months! any advice appreciated as to options!

Has the garage that looked at it given you any prices to fit a replacement engine?

Or rebuilding the one you have?

 

[Oldmanriver]

Has the garage that looked at it given you any prices to fit a replacement engine?

Or rebuilding the one you have?

Not yet they are still investigating why it failed! My own thoughts are aux belt failed first, I suspect the alternator drive pulley. Two weeks ago I had a high pitched squeal from what sounded like a pulley above 2000rpm. Had it investigated and they found a fraid aux belt, all the pulleys checked out apparently, I’m somewhat sceptical of that now in hindsight.

 

[DXX]

Possibly caused by some poor quality work you had done 2 weeks ago. Make sure you have the itemised receipts and try and keep the communications to emails so that there is a record.

Has this not been caused by the work that the garage carried out? If so they are liable.

You haven’t mentioned the age of the van but as far as I’m aware the lower timing belt cover was superceded with a stronger component that is not likely to break and allow the timing belt to be damaged. Make sure that this is fitted on whatever engine goes in.
I have a 2016 CFCA and this cover is aluminium, for some crazy reason VW changed to plastic.

 

[Dellmassive]

Not yet they are still investigating why it failed! My own thoughts are aux belt failed first, I suspect the alternator drive pulley. Two weeks ago I had a high pitched squeal from what sounded like a pulley above 2000rpm. Had it investigated and they found a fraid aux belt, all the pulleys checked out apparently, I’m somewhat sceptical of that now in hindsight.

squealing . . . . ?

one possible idea maybe

+++++++++++++++++++++

the "AUX belt tensioner" is auto tensioning, and normally starts squealing when its bearing is pooped. . . either very loose from wear, or tight from ingress .

so maybe it was the pully tensioner that was failing. . .

that caused high friction on the AUX belt, . . which caused it to fray?

then they replaced the belt. (but not pulley?)

the pully then did the same to the new belt. . . .

but unfortunately the belt failed and got stuck with the timing belt.

wich has caused mechanical damage?

+++++++++++++++++++++++




so you can either rebuild the engine . . .

i seem to remember the last time hearing this be done was,
some bent valves?
some snapped rocker arms
a conrod or two,
possibly a piston?
plus ancillaries?


or



get a whole engine from a smashed up van,

and do an engine swap.



++++++++


i suppose it depends on the millage and condition of your engine + repair.


versus the cost + unknown of a replacement whole.


++++++++++

forget about a new engine from VW I've heard prices of £8-15K



++++++++++


eg

Description

Repair kit for drive belt for alternator, power steering, air conditioning.

Kit includes:

1 x ribbed drive belt

1 x automatic tensioner unit (latest revision)



Fitment

VW Transporter T5.1 all 2.0 TDi models with Aircon

VW Transporter T6 all 2.0 TDi (not for vans with adblu) models with Aircon



Brand

Genuine VW



Condition

New

VW Transporter T5.1 / T6 alternator belt & tensioner kit for 2.0 TDI all (with Aircon, without adblu)

VW Transporter T5.1 / T6 alternator belt & tensioner kit for 2.0 TDI all models except those with Adblu

www.deutsche-parts.co.uk

 

[Oldmanriver]

Has this not been caused by the work that the garage carried out? If so they are liable.

You haven’t mentioned the age of the van but as far as I’m aware the lower timing belt cover was superceded with a stronger component that is not likely to break and allow the timing belt to be damaged. Make sure that this is fitted on whatever engine goes in.
I have a 2016 CFCA and this cover is aluminium, for some crazy reason VW changed to plastic.

thanks for that I;l make sure I ask that question!

Has the garage that looked at it given you any prices to fit a replacement engine?

Or rebuilding the one you have?

Hi,
yes the garage have had in initial look, and found the shredded aux belt, they think the alternator drive pulley is new and functions ok, so they are going to look at other possibilities. The tension pulley is the most obvious culprit now as several of you have pointed to. Until they actually schedule it in we won't know for sure. Initial estimate is just obver £7k for a VW exchange engine with a 2 yr parts warranty. That could rise depending on what ancillaries need replacing. The clutch, flywheel, alternator are only 1 year old so that bodes well. Im super confident with this garage as they are VW specialist and the workshop looks immaculate, the owner oozes confidence too and is a straight talker, I'll keep you all posted on developments. I have to say this Forum is great and all your comments and advice are very much appreciated.

 

[Oldmanriver]

So latest update on the saga. It would appear that now the new engine has been fitted all the auxiliaries can be functioned which highlighted the steering pump had failed internally causing it to bind at speed. The alternator and pulley checked out ok and a new tensioner has been fitted!
All in all I think we are nearing having it back on the road with a brand new VW engine! I'll be glad when it all done! thanks for all the advice on here it much appreciated and assisted some interesting conversations wit the garage!