Crankshaft Pulley Bolt was loose (Engine broken)

[Pasi80]

Hello.
I bought and import Citroen C3 1.2 (III, 2018) 25.9.2025 from private seller (France). After 2000 km two red engine light flashed on the dasboard and a wrench (spanner). After I stop and turned off the engine and waited few minutes and tried to turn it on again nothing happened. Citroen maintenance (Finland) told me the next day that engine was broken and I need a new engine.

A loose crankshaft Pulley Bolt had caused a timing belt synchronisation problem... -> The engine had broken down. Timing belt was changed about 15 months (15 000 km) ago in Citroen maintenance (France) and it was last time when crankshaft pulley bolt was opened and tightened. The private seller called to the Citroen maintenance and they said " - It could not have been installed too loosely, otherwise it would have come loose earlier". The Citroen service had advised to take contact to Citroen manufacturer.

I would have liked to know if anyone else has encountered a similar problem (crankshaft pulley bolt was loose) and how this was handle?

I just see two options: Citroen service did not tighten the bolt tightly enough or the parts were defective.

I would be happy if somebody who have encountered (saw, heard) same problem tell me about it.

Thanks a lot
Pasi

[mickthemaverick]

That is a frustrating story Pasi, I have not heard of anyone with that issue in the past but there may be a member who has so hopefully you will get some feedback

[Pasi80]

Thanks. Yep, not very common issue. Let see if somebody have encoutered it.