We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.

This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

The MSE Forum Team would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas. However, we know this time of year can be difficult for some. If you're struggling during the festive period, here's a list of organisations that might be able to help
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Has MSE helped you to save or reclaim money this year? Share your 2025 MoneySaving success stories!

Astra F cambelt break

Hello

Wonder if anyone can give a bit of advice, the cambelt on my Astra 1.6 automatic snapped whilst on the motorway.

I know this would usually mean the engine would likely be badly damaged but I've been told you might get away with it on an 8 valve engine (as this is).

Is this true? Is this because it's a non-interference engine?

Also, would breakdown cover fit a new belt?

Many thanks

Comments

  • breakdown cover wont fit a new belt, its a big job
  • Hintza
    Hintza Posts: 19,420 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I'm not sure if it is non interference engine or not but most aren't.

    It will certainly not be covered by "breakdown insurance"

    What does "F" mean in your title is that the age of the car? If so then the car is most probably dead (assuming valves and pistons have met)!
  • you can be lucky with older 8 valve engines,some are non interferance, the only real way to know is to strip it and inspect for damage.
    ...work permit granted!
  • Hintza wrote: »
    I'm not sure if it is non interference engine or not but most aren't.

    It will certainly not be covered by "breakdown insurance"

    What does "F" mean in your title is that the age of the car? If so then the car is most probably dead (assuming valves and pistons have met)!


    Astra F referrs to the model - It's a '96 model.
  • Yep, it's a MK3.. :)

    Get a new belt on, time it up, try and turn it over...you may be lucky. It'll be either a C16SE or an X16SZ/SZR..good engines. I had a '97 auto F with that unit. Until some tit smacked it up the bum.

    I now have an Astra-G with the later Z16SE and the autobox..just as much fun. 8 valves all the way. :)
  • These engines in the main can get away with out damaging the engine. Ask around as there will always been a mechanic who one of ur friends knows who will fit it on the side so will cost u less and wont get ripped off from a garage!

    GOOD LUCK!:beer:
    If Carling made web-sites this would proberly be the best website in the world :T

    Get your SOA done here.... http://www.makesenseofcards.co.uk/soacalc.html
  • Cheers everyone, I know a friendly mechanic so will get a belt fitted and so see where we are afterwards.
  • Just in case anyone else has this happen and reads this in the future, got the belt changed and there was no damage at all to the engine!

    Result!
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 352.9K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.9K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 454.7K Spending & Discounts
  • 246K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 602.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.8K Life & Family
  • 259.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.7K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.