Vauxhall Astra F - Astra 1.4 16v Not starting at all

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Wed 22 Aug 2012 02:47
Vauxhall Astra F - Astra 1.4 16v Not starting at all - trig81
I'm new to the forum so I'd like to start by saying hi to everyone!

Right so my father in law drove his car to work, parked up, no problems. Finished his 8 hour shift and got in his car to go home but it wouldn't start,. When he tries to crank the engine, instead of the usual engine trying to start noise (you know whup whup whup whup... Sp?) it was more of a really fast whirring noise almost like the starter motor isn't catching.

The starter motor is fine though as the car jumps forward when you try to start it in gear. Petrol is definately getting through and fuel pump seems to be working alright. Also getting a spark but I changed the plugs for good measure. i have also cleaned all the electrical connections as shown in the haynes manual, all relevant earth points look fine. Going to buy a compression tester tomorrow to make sure the compressions are okay but other than that, i'm completely stuck.

Anyone heard of a problem like this before i.e the weird cranking noise? Any suggestions would be gratefully accepted as its doin my nut in now! Lol

Thanks in advance

Phil.
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Wed 22 Aug 2012 02:53
Vauxhall Astra F - Astra 1.4 16v Not starting at all - trig81
Oh forgot to add, the timing belt is still intact!
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Wed 22 Aug 2012 08:06
Vauxhall Astra F - Astra 1.4 16v Not starting at all - elekie&a/c doctor

The timing belt may be intact ,but is it turning correctly.It may have stripped the teeth.hth

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Wed 22 Aug 2012 21:19
Vauxhall Astra F - Astra 1.4 16v Not starting at all - trig81
Been workin on it on my own so I hadn't actually seen the engine while it was cranking, but took the wife with me today so she could turn the engine over while i looked and the camshaft wasnt turning so yeah either teeth missing or tensioner gone! Good call on that one!

I'm sure it just happened during trying to start the engine though, so does anyone know if it has enough clearance for the pistons to miss the valves, and if not whats the likelihood of the engine being completely shot?
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