I have a PD130 Audi A3, but I can't find any information on my specific problem on Audi websites. I know the Fabia VRS is very similar and this is strictly an engine issue so if you could please shed any light I'd appreciate it.

I recently changed my cambelt, waterpump and tensioners etc. using all the locking tools about 1500 miles ago. VAG-COM said that the timing was absolutely spot on.

I recently developed a problem where if I change into neutral to coast to some lights the revs will just drop to 0 and the car will stall. The car then became very hard to start either hot or cold, it would take up to 10 seconds to finally get it going. When it was trying to start it would show 600rpm on the tachometer. I changed relay 109 to no effect. The lift pump also works absolutely fine.

The car then just died randomly again(I can't remember if I was in neutral). This time I couldn't start it at all. When I tried the cam doesn't move at all. When I tried to turn it over the tacho showed 200rpm, not the usual 600rpm.

I looked at the cambelt under the cover and it is damaged and frayed, but is still in one piece and is still tense.

Is this a clear cut cambelt failure even though its still tense?

Could it be that I've ruined the starter motor and the belt damage is a freak coincidence?

Is it possible that the belt has slipped a tooth hence the non-starting and cutting out?

Does the fact it was trying to start at 600rpm and now at 200rpm have any relevance?

I really need to get to the bottom of this before I spend more money on the car, I can't afford to shell out money to fix it if there's an underlying problem that will make it happen again.

I'd really appreciate any advice or information, thanks.

Edited 22 August, 201114 yr by PD130x

Have you scanned it again

Any update?

If the cam wasn't turning then I'd be more concerned about a cam failure, especially as that would cause the belt to rip across the grooves, slowly due to the resistance, hence 200rpm.

What age is the car as there was a well known cam problem on earlier PD130/150 engines.

Edited 23 August, 201114 yr by PaulSF

No updates unfortunately. I've been so busy with work I haven't even had the time to have another look.

I've not scanned it, but I don't think they'll be any problems, no CEL came on but will scan it over the weekend to be sure.

The cam wasn't turning when I try and start it. The car is a 2002 Audi A3 Quattro with an ASZ engine. It it the later ASZ engine.

What worries me is why it was cutting out? Could it all be down to the timing and it's just one issue?

I've had a quote of £600 to get a new belt, waterpump and replace the valves. What do you guys think of that? I've had a quote of £300 and another for £450 to change engines. Is it more economical to get a second hand engine for £500?

Thanks for the advice guys

you need a mechanic to look and see why the cam isnt turning,if the engine is turning but the cam isnt then the belt would either snap or strip the teeth off it...either way the pistons are gona hit and damage the valves so the prognosis isnt good.

If I was you is take the head off myself. Not to difficult, just take your time. From. There you can see if tje valves are bent and the if the pistons have been smashed as well. Then you know you need a new engine instead of paying someone to change belts, valves etc.

Looks like I'll have to remove the head this weekend, then.

Would it be immediately obvious if the pistons are smashed and the valves are bent? Is it worth opening the rocker cover to see if the cam has seized?

I know these are simple questions, but I want to make sure I get a correct diagnosis before going ahead with fixing this engine if a replacement is going to be cheaper.

if your not mechanically minded or unsure bout these things i'd suggest get someone who knows...its needs correct diagnosis.

Without actually looking at it. Its hard to diagnose it correctly but it sounds like a golf tdi we had in at work. It has been run on the wrong oil and the lifters jacked up causing the cam to seize, shredded the belt, smashed the cam to bits and did a few valves. It was cheaper to fit a second hand engine.

Get a proper diagnosis tho before u start spending big money. A garage should only charge you around an hours labour to confirm the problem

Finally managed to get a look at the belt today. The belt is a mess, it's frayed both sides. The belt has no tension, and on further inspection the small idler has fallen right off, and it now near the waterpump.

Timing will be completely ruined, so I'm guessing valves at the very least. The question really is why would the idler have come off? Simply not tight enough when it was installed? No thread lock?

Finally managed to get a look at the belt today. The belt is a mess, it's frayed both sides. The belt has no tension, and on further inspection the small idler has fallen right off, and it now near the waterpump.

Timing will be completely ruined, so I'm guessing valves at the very least. The question really is why would the idler have come off? Simply not tight enough when it was installed? No thread lock?

Yes to all of the above, it's wrecked I'm afraid.

sepulchrave: I'm also in Brighton. I've had a quote of £600 to get the valves, new belt and waterpump etc all done.

Are there any outstanding garages you could recommend who could do the work? Thought it's worth asking though the garage I've approached are very reliable and decent.

I'd go with what you know, they'll be farming the head out to a machine shop anyway so that price sounds reasonable to me.