Cam shaft sprocket retaining bolt came loose

[James H]

My cam shaft sprocket retaining bolt came loose and the belt smashed its way through the timing belt cover. Garage did the timing belt 9 months ago and I've hardly driven it since then. Not sure if they would have needed to undo it when fitting the new belt? Ths belt is still on the cam sprocket and is tight but the retaining bolt just isn't there. Happened while I was driving and it conked out. Is this likely the end of my engine. Has anyone seen this type of failure before?

[Keef]

It's not that uncommon.
If the unsecured sprocket has worn the woodruff keyway in the camshaft then you'll probably need a replacement camshaft which is an engine out job.
You need to take the sprocket off to check for damage.
Sounds like you might be lucky though and if you are, just replace any missing or damaged parts, double check the timing and job done.

[James H]

I got it towed back to the garage that did the timing belt, they managed to get the cam sprocket back on but have said the engine is locked and they don't won't to touch it now.

From everything I've read, it sounds like when the timing belt goes on these engines it usually just bends push rods and breaks the occasional rocker arm. My question is would damage to just the push rods and the rocker arms cause the engine to lock up? I don't want to give up without doing a bit more investigation but the garage is not interested in doing any more on it. Is anyone able to recommend anybody in the Bristol area who would be able to help with this?

Thanks

[Chug]

Yes take the rocker cover off and have a look before you give up, I'd be surprised if you don't have any damage under there.

[V184]

It's not that uncommon.
If the unsecured sprocket has worn the woodruff keyway in the camshaft then you'll probably need a replacement camshaft which is an engine out job.
You need to take the sprocket off to check for damage.
Sounds like you might be lucky though and if you are, just replace any missing or damaged parts, double check the timing and job done.

I have changed them in situ but its a big job also seen the pulley "bodged" back on when the key has gone/damaged

[James H]

I was away for a while so didn't get a chance to look at the van. It turns out that I wasn't lucky and it has mashed up the end of the camshaft where the woodruff key sits. @V184 how have you seen the sprocket bodged back on when the key has gone/damaged

[V184]

I was away for a while so didn't get a chance to look at the van. It turns out that I wasn't lucky and it has mashed up the end of the camshaft where the woodruff key sits. @V184 how have you seen the sprocket bodged back on when the key has gone/damaged

from memory loads of metal weld and make sure the sprocket is aligned correctly & new bolt

[Keef]

I was away for a while so didn't get a chance to look at the van. It turns out that I wasn't lucky and it has mashed up the end of the camshaft where the woodruff key sits. @V184 how have you seen the sprocket bodged back on when the key has gone/damaged

from memory loads of metal weld and make sure the sprocket is aligned correctly & new bolt

Friend of mine has literally just done one.
He mig welded the key on, cleaned it up with a die grinder and put it back together.
I've no idea how long it will last but it works at the moment.

[James H]

Sorry to bring this back up. The van has been sitting for a while over winter and I havent had time to get round to doing anything with it. I got out this wekend and took a good look at it. Does anyone know the part number/size of the key and the retaining bolt. Think Im going to try and do what is mentioned above and see how that goes. Also Im looking for another camshaft sprocket if anyone has one available as its a bit mashed up as well.

[MinorMatt]

Don't know where you are but I've got a Di engine in the back of a van that I'm going to break down to bits.... so I should have everything you need?

[James H]

I'm in Bristol