• Cambelt Issues

Posted: **28 Oct 2006 12:52 pm**

As I mentioned the other day, the cambelt on my 360 snapped on Thursday. Having fitted a new one this morning, the engine spins over freely, but does not eve attempt to start. Am I right in assuming this means there is no compression and therefore multiple valves are bent? If so, does anyone have a spare B200 head they might be willing to let go cheap?

Cheers,

Nick

Posted: **28 Oct 2006 01:04 pm**

Hi Nick,

Assuming you have the cam and ignition correct it does rather sound as though you've lost compression. If the belt broke at speed you may well have multiple bent valves. You can often get away with just replacing the damaged valves - but cost wise a good replacement head is probably the answer.

Suggest you run a compression check to be sure.

Mac.

Posted: **28 Oct 2006 01:12 pm**

Nick, Carl is having one of my B200E's, I think all he's really after is the sump, so if you wanted the head that might be a good route and use of the engine.
Pete

Posted: **28 Oct 2006 02:21 pm**

Yep, I only really need the block itself, so Nick having the head could work out well. Even if the pistons are damaged on Nicks he could have the whole engine from Pete and I could scavenge bits of Nicks knackered engine!

Posted: **28 Oct 2006 02:30 pm**

Thanks guys, that'll be very helpful

Posted: **28 Oct 2006 10:59 pm**

This is curious, because I'm pretty sure my B200K wasn't an interference engine. It is now (for sure....don't ask how I found out...it'll make you want to cry

), but it does have a substantially higher lift cam.

(Watches with interest for an update once the head is off)

cheers

James

Posted: **19 Nov 2006 09:41 pm**

foggyjames wrote:I'm pretty sure my B200K wasn't an interference engine...

Mine certainly was when my cambelt went! Completely stock cam, etc.

I was lucky to get away with just bending no.3 exhaust valve. It went just as I was changing gear, so RPM happened to be low!

Left is bent, right is new replacement.

Posted: **19 Nov 2006 10:01 pm**

I stand corrected

cheers

James

Posted: **20 Nov 2006 11:04 am**

Non-interference engines are really quite rare, and most of them are in Toyotas, french cars or MOPAR products.

Posted: **20 Nov 2006 03:01 pm**

Nick what cam did you have? Was it high lift?

Posted: **20 Nov 2006 06:04 pm**

As far as I know, it was completely standard. I've not yet had a chance to take the head off and see what's happened, (I've barely touched the car for three weeks, what little car-fixing time I've had has been devoted to getting the Dolomite on the road) but when I do, I'll grab some pics...

Posted: **20 Nov 2006 07:49 pm**

Quite a few redblocks, especially older ones, are non-interference...in fact in terms of US spec, there are more non-interference than are...if you get me. We tended to get hotter tuned engines with higher lift cams, etc, so we don't tend to come off so lightly!

cheers

James

Posted: **20 Nov 2006 07:53 pm**

My old man still waits for the belt to snap before cahnging the belt. It will be a shock to the system for him when he gets the 16valver in!

Posted: **21 Nov 2006 01:21 am**

Haha...alright until it happens on a dark night when it's raining cats and dogs...

cheers

James

Posted: **18 Dec 2006 05:48 pm**

I started dismantling it today, until it got dark 2/3 of the way through - should have the heads changed over tomorrow, hopefully!