Mechanics....please help!

wannabedebtfree_2

I really need some advice!

My car went kaput on Friday, have got it towed to the garage today and as suspected the cam belt has snapped......

Now I know my mechanic is very honest, I trust him implicitly and he isn't pressurising me into anything but this is the scenario, I just want to see what other people might do in my position.....

He says to replace the cam belt will be about £20-25 + 4 hours labour, once this is done he can then check what damage it has done to the valves etc, now worse case scenario we are looking at around £800-900+, well if its this much it isn't worth doing, the car is probably worth about £1000, but I then get stuck with a £180 bill for them sticking the new belt on and still don't have a car.....(his engine chap thinks realistically we're looking worst case scenario)......best case scenario the valves are fine and its all hunky dory ........and pigs might fly!!

What would you do??? I really appreciate any advice you might have!!!

hartcjhart

firstly can you tell us the make model year of the car petrol/diesel?

not all cars suffer catastrophic damage when the cambelt goes and it will help us advise better

catflea

Not sure why he would have to replace the cambelt to check the valves?

I'll try to qualify that in laymans speak... the cambelt is connected to the part of the car which will need to be removed to check for bent valves (the cylinder head)

Ask him to take the cylinder head off and check before doing any other work!

BTW, I am an amateur Mechanic but I've got a pretty good idea of what goes on. What type of car is it?

Edit: Above poster is correct, not all cars suffer...

jazzy

what car is it? date and engine size?
There are a few make cars around that cause no damage when the belt breaks. so you may be lucky.

wannabedebtfree_2

OK, its a Renault Megane 1.6 16v Alize W reg (2000)

My OH was travelling about 45 mph, and was just about to change up into 5th gear when it happened.

I have had so much work done on this car over the past couple of years it just makes me think its time to give up!

Thanks for the advice thus far!

goldspanners

im sure these are interferance heads on the meganes. which means its more than likely worst case scenario.
if i were you i would cut my loses and scrap it. buy something else with the money your going to gamble on the renault.

SailorSam

catflea wrote: »

Not sure why he would have to replace the cambelt to check the valves?
.

I think the Op may mean the cam belt has gone but the mechanic can't tell until he strips it down what extra damage may have occured.

catflea

wannabedebtfree wrote: »

He says to replace the cam belt will be about £20-25 + 4 hours labour, once this is done he can then check what damage it has done

Seems pretty clear cut to me

I agree though, with a Megane its likely to be game over for the top end of the engine. Stick it on ebay as a spares/repairs is my advice

goldspanners

match made in MSE heaven. read here!

Wig

catflea wrote: »

Not sure why he would have to replace the cambelt to check the valves? .

When my mates car suffered the same, I put a new belt on in about 30 mins (Why 4 hours labour has been quoted no idea )

Anyhoo you replace the belt and if she starts it's ok, but if it doesn't start or turns over with horrible noises you know it's worst case scenario....and there's no need to take the head off (which is a bigger job than just replacing the belt) and you send the car for scrap or sell it for parts.

I think changing the belt is the best thing to do (if you want to investigate further) but 4 Hours.....!!!!

I think OP should just give up save the money & sell the car.

Jon_Tiffany

Some mechanics will pop a new belt on and see if engine runs ok, its supposed to be a quick way to check for damage - 4 hours labour seems a lot to change cambelt. For that engine its very likely to have damaged valves.

Sadly, as others had said it may be time to say goodbye to the Megane.