Cambelt slipping a tooth, likely damage?

[Ade T]

I have recently bought a clio 172 that is misfiring and cutting out. Obviously it could be a number of things but I took the top mount off and the cambelt appears to be very slack as such I suspect it has slipped a tooth on the cambelt and in turn thrown the timing out.

If I am right, what is the likely damage it could of caused? are we taking bent valves?

 

[Dan@SJM]

If it still runs you may have got away with it.

 

[marinemackay2003]

Mine jummped a few teeth

took all the valves and guides with it

 

[Ade T]

Is it worth doing a compression test? would that reveal if it has bent any valves?

 

[Dan@SJM]

Yes to both.

 

[lemonnobby]

I have known of one car for this and it was fine.

 

[Ade T]

I will do a compression test later and see what that tells me

 

[G5OF C]

I have just bought a 182 that has slipped a couple of teeth too! Would be interested to know how you get on I'm thinking about just re-timing it when I get time then see how it runs

 

[Michael Woodford MST]

I wouldn't be doing anything at all that involves spinning over the engine until you know the full story with the cambelt.

 

[Scrooge]

I'd personally get the timing tools out to see how far out it is, that'll tell you a lot. If it is just out by one tooth, time it correctly and see how it runs. If it's all good slap a new belt kit on it.

 

[Coops Mk1]

i'd do the above, set the timing right if you suspect its out before you do anything else. do not comp test it with a loose belt, don't even turn it over with a loose belt. get that sorted then investigate the compression

 

[Ade T]

Thanks for the advice. I don't have the tools to check/adjust the timing, I will just source another engine it will be easier and sell the engine on for spares. I'm sure it would be of use to someone.

 

[Carlv8415]

I am just curious, but how do they manage to slip a tooth. I know what actually happens it's just more the fact of how does it happen? Is it due to cambelt not being set and the right tension or something ?

 

[Chip-mk1]

I am just curious, but how do they manage to slip a tooth. I know what actually happens it's just more the fact of how does it happen? Is it due to cambelt not being set and the right tension or something ?

Yes, incorrect tension is the issue normally, although sometimes people say "slipped a tooth" and its actually that the pulley has slipped rather than the belt (they arent keyed)

 

[Carlv8415]

Oh so only holding the pulley in place is pure friction where it is connected ?

 

[Chip-mk1]

Oh so only holding the pulley in place is pure friction where it is connected ?

Yep.

 

[Carlv8415]

What kind of a s**t idea is that. Lol

 

[Chip-mk1]

What kind of a s**t idea is that. Lol

A not uncommon one these days, most modern engines are going that way, and in normal operation it doesnt cause any issues.

 

[Carlv8415]

Define normal operation ?

 

[Chip-mk1]

Define normal operation ?

Not missing a gear and buzzing the motor etc

 

[Carlv8415]

Oh right nice