Suspected broken cambelt - Citroen Xsara Picasso

[gbk71]

Hi all,

I have a Citroen Xsara Picasso 1.6 Petrol, 2009 with a suspected broken timing belt.

I bought the car on Sunday (4 days ago) from a private seller and drove the car home some 150 miles without a problem. Picked my kids up from school, no problem. Driving Wednesday evening (yesterday) and the car lost all power and the engine just "spins" too freely when trying to start. I haven't had a chance to look at it yet, but I suspect a broken cambelt.

I've been doing some bedtime reading and it doesn't look too bad a job on a petrol engine. But I did see a video where someone said you should get a new camshaft as the lobes are press on and can move with a cambelt failure. I've only heard that on this one video, so just wanted to check with everyone.

This forum has been a great resource already and you all seem a really friendly bunch

I can't believe my luck with this car. I had a megane before but the clutch failed so I bought this Citroen

Thanks,
Graham

[oscar]

Hi all,

I have a Citroen Xsara Picasso 1.6 Petrol, 2009 with a suspected broken timing belt.

I bought the car on Sunday (4 days ago) from a private seller and drove the car home some 150 miles without a problem. Picked my kids up from school, no problem. Driving Wednesday evening (yesterday) and the car lost all power and the engine just "spins" too freely when trying to start. I haven't had a chance to look at it yet, but I suspect a broken cambelt.

I've been doing some bedtime reading and it doesn't look too bad a job on a petrol engine. But I did see a video where someone said you should get a new camshaft as the lobes are press on and can move with a cambelt failure. I've only heard that on this one video, so just wanted to check with everyone.

This forum has been a great resource already and you all seem a really friendly bunch

I can't believe my luck with this car. I had a megane before but the clutch failed so I bought this Citroen

Thanks,
Graham

Didnt happen to buy From Exeter or Exmouth? and it's red? via eBay

[wheeler]

The 1.6 diesel models have pressed on cam lobes but i dont think the petrol ones are.

[gbk71]

Didnt happen to buy From Exeter or Exmouth? and it's red? via eBay

Er…yes. I’m not sure I want to know what’s coming next.

[oscar]

Didnt happen to buy From Exeter or Exmouth? and it's red? via eBay

Er…yes. I’m not sure I want to know what’s coming next.

Guy did say about belt as way way over due we had looked at it but left it as another thing was ringing bells! before sorting head out check the front cross member/suspension is in line as friend is thinking been off road into something?
Also check rear arms.

[gbk71]

OK thanks. It drove fine on the way back home. The invoice had "Timing belt?" written on it from the last service so I'd been researching what was involved and had it planned for a couple of weeks time. Oh well. Hopefully it won't be too bad.

Does anyone know what engine it would be? Code wise. It's a "Desire" 1.6 from 2009. But I keep seeing 8v and 16v 1.6 petrol for parts and I don't know what it is. I'm guessing 8v. If it was 16v it would probably have another badge on the back!

[wheeler]

I would think a 2009 model would be 16v. Dont think the picasso ever came with 16v badges.
A pic of the engine or the VIN number will confirm.

[oscar]

OK thanks. It drove fine on the way back home. The invoice had "Timing belt?" written on it from the last service so I'd been researching what was involved and had it planned for a couple of weeks time. Oh well. Hopefully it won't be too bad.

Does anyone know what engine it would be? Code wise. It's a "Desire" 1.6 from 2009. But I keep seeing 8v and 16v 1.6 petrol for parts and I don't know what it is. I'm guessing 8v. If it was 16v it would probably have another badge on the back!

If put reg up can check. But Citroen don't use badges like that just name rank and serial number! ie Citroen.Xsara Picasso Desire/Exclusive then you just pick out what engine/fuel/size it is from there!

[gbk71]

I took the cover off over the weekend - it's a 16v. Got 2 cams with the lobes pressing directly on the valves, no rockers.

I'm assuming there are bent valves. Is there an easy way to check? Just wondering if I should put a new belt on and just try it. Or go straight for a full head removal. Bit of a step in the dark for me. Done lots of tinkering - carb rebuilds on old golfs, suspension fixes etc but taking these engines apart will be new

Reg number is WU09 WHZ.

Looking at ECP, they've got 2 kits available one says it's for "134 teeth, 25.4mm", the other is for "engine TU5JP4, 134 teeth, 26mm".

Would the VIN be helpful? Is it OK to post here?

[GiveMeABreak]

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If interested, links are below, then pop your VIN up.

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[Hell Razor5543]

Please consider avoiding ECP. Although some people have not had issues with them, others have (and there are a few horror stories out there). ECP have 'earned' the nickname "Euro Crap Parts". GSF are usually considered to be better, and (if you sign up on their website) there can be decent discounts available.

[wheeler]

Looking at ECP, they've got 2 kits available one says it's for "134 teeth, 25.4mm", the other is for "engine TU5JP4, 134 teeth, 26mm".

Would the VIN be helpful? Is it OK to post here?

Your engine is a TU5JP4 (NFU)
When i put that reg into ECP it gives 2 choices 101 teeth & 17mm wide or 134 teeth & 26mm wide.
Best to measure the width & count the teeth on the one you have.
Yes, avoid ECP junk, i can only imagine the quality of a timing belt that costs £4.48
Even the citroen aftermaket one is nearly 10 times that & a genuine original citroen one is £105 Thats just for the belt alone, no tensioner or idlers.