I had a new cambelt fitted 7000 miles ago. 300 miles ago I had another problem that turned out to be the cam position sensor, and had it repaired by a local VAG garage. Today my wife was driving to work when there was a horrible scrapping noise from the engine and followed by a bang. There was loss of power but she managed to drive it home. I looked at it when I got home and found that the cambelt cover was loose and broken. The cambelt has a 5 inch sliver cut off the edge. I suspect the cover was not attached properly and has cut into the belt causing it to jump a few teeth. Is this possible. I need urgent help as I am contacting the repair garage in the morning.

Edited 30 April, 201214 yr by fmcmoct

It's unlikely to have jumped teeth as the engine would barely run if at all with the timing so far out. However you'll need to replace the timing belt as it is now damaged. You'll need to ask whoever changed your sensor if they've been messing with the timing belt cover! Not me guv...

Edited 30 April, 201214 yr by YHNW

The cambelt has a 5 inch sliver cut off the edge.

a 5 inch sliver cut off the edge? Just how wide is the belt on the 1.6?!

You need to remove the camshaft sprocket and inner cover to replace the hall sensor (G40/camshaft position sensor). Yes, it's possible to jump a tooth if the belt catches on the cover.

The belt is about 1 1/2 wide the cut is along the circumference

Photo attached

I wouldn't be driving that anywhere. I guess it is possible the belt might have jumped one tooth, which now gives the lack of power as the timing will be out.