1.9TD XUD: How do I remove the timing belt cover?

[kenbw2]

All indications are that my timing belt has gone on my '96 Synergie, but I want to confirm it so I can move on.

Trouble is the cover over the timing belt is surrounded by what I assume is an engine mount. How do I get the cover off with this in the way?

[CitroJim]

You'll need to firstly remove the crank pulley....

The remove the engine mount and undo all the visible securing screws/bolts... Note there is one fiendishly hidden one on the rear cover and it is at the back and obscured by the black plastic turbo pipe. If find the best tool is a 11/13mm 'half moon' spanner.

The covers will then come off with gentle persuasion...

If you think the belt has gone, chances are the camshaft may be broken in half and one or more cam bearing caps may be broken. This potentially writes off the head but there are ways around it...

Keep us informed on your progress and we can offer assistance as you go along...

[kenbw2]

Thanks Jim, all makes sense apart from "remove the crank pulley". At the bottom of the engine, right?

Is it just a spanner job to do that?

[CitroJim]

Yes, The bolt in the crank pulley can be biblically tight. Try a breaker bar with the gearbox in 5th and the brakes on HARD and you may be lucky. Otherwise, jam a 22mm socket on a T-bar onto the bolt to a nearby chassis leg and blip the starter very briefly. The engine will very briefly turn in the direction of undoing the bolt...

That should jar it free... Sounds brutal but it works a treat

[kenbw2]

Sounds simple and hard at the same time! I'll give it a go.

I take it just to inspect the belt there isn't something a bit easier?

[CitroJim]

You can just remove the two top covers if you want to just inspect the belt but it's likely you'll need to do some work so get that crank pulley off sooner rather than later and if you don't do it now, you'll need to put the engine mount back on to do it later...

Also, a full inspection of all of the belt needs all the covers off and the bottom cover won't come off without removing the crank pulley.

You need to check the whole belt for missing teeth...

How did the suspect breakage happen?

[kenbw2]

Just driving along approaching a junction and it cut out suddenly. I can't remember whether or not I was accellerating or even in gear at the time, but I was definitely travelling at less than 20mph.

I've had the rocker cover off and the cam shaft isn't moving at all when the starter's going, so it's definitely disconnected - whether by means of the belt or otherwise. The shaft seemed slightly loose, but not obviously snapped. The leftmost rocker cover bolt has been de-threaded though - I didn't have to undo it at all, which doesn't bode well. Oil everywhere too.

To be honest, it's probably a goner if it's in any way smashed up inside. I'm tempted to try throwing on a new belt and attempting to time it up, but if anything's detroyed (valves bent etc) then meh.

I just want to confirm before I condemn really. I'll have a bash at it this weekend, see what I find.

[CitroJim]

Valves very, very rarely bend but a replacement camshaft may be needed.. You need to check it's not broken as the break is not always obvious when in-situ and you also need to check all three cam bearing caps are intact...

If it popped the cam cover it does not bode too well but there's only one way to find out...

[ken newbold]

Sell you another engine with new cylinder head on, pick up in Wakefield.


God loves a tryer

[kenbw2]

Sent you a PM!

[CitroJim]

Sell you another engine with new cylinder head on, pick up in Wakefield.


God loves a tryer

Result!