Hi,

 

Similar issue: http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/170627-timing-belt-broken/

 

I bought a 2007 Skoda Fabia 1.4 sedan earlier this year (first car). It drove alright for a while (I got it checked before driving) then I noticed it didn't acelerate as it used to, so I parked it at home. I called the Skoda garage and asked them to do a house call... it took them almost a month. I'd warm the car every few days so the battery won't run down, then a week before the technician arrived, the engine tripped off and won't come on.

 

Anyway, the technician checked it out and turns out the timing belt has snapped. He was being dodgy about the cost estimate and what damage has been done, but promised their admin guys would send over a cost estimate. That was 2 months ago... it's been a cat and mouse thing trying to get them on the phone or the "right person" when I visit their garage.

 

It will be major work, sure, but I just want to know what possibly needs to be replaced. Or if it's cheaper, I'll just get a new engine. If I do get a new engine, what additional parts do I need to change? I plan on going to our local autoparts market and get the estimate by myself.

 

Any help would be appreciated.

Welcome to the site tadtoad.

 

I'm sorry to hear of your woe's. Firstly, did the engine just stop whilst it was idling? If so, then there is probably very little damage, if any. The probability of damage can be assessed fairly easily by any competent technician without doing much work and usually without lifting off the cylinder head. If on the other hand it suddenly just popped and stopped whilst you had your foot on the gas, that may be a different story. I'd certainly chase up your garage and maybe take it somewhere else where you can trust them. I've replaced many broken belts and no strip down has been required at all as no damage was done. But I didn't tech on any Skoda's. I hope you get it sorted pretty quickly. 2 months is way too long to be waiting for someone to produce a report on your engine.

Are you UK based?  Do you have full service history, and if so when was it changed?

@Estate Man My foot wasn't on the gas. Actually my hand was literally an inch away from turning off the ignition for the day when this happened. The engine stopped and I heard a click (springy sound). I thought it stalled so I tried starting it up again but I just heard the click then a whirling sound. So the first thing to do would be to change the belt and see if it okay? I ask so that I know what the technician would be doing and I don't just stare at him blankly while he messes around.

 

@gadgetman I'm in NIgeria... most of the technicians prefer working on only hondas and toyotas. It's why I had to wait that long for the skoda guy. The service history stops mid 2012 and I don't see anything but plugs and oil changes.

Yes, if it were me dealing with your car I would take out the spark plugs, replace the belt and then turn over the engine very slowly by hand to have a good listen to what is happening. I'd also use a boroscope that can do an engine internal examination to see if there is any obvious engine damage to pistons/valves. If it looks ok and sounds ok then starting her up is the next step. There is no guarantee that it will be ok, especially as you tried to restart her (a normal natural reaction), but it may well be all ok with no need to do anything other than the above. On the other hand, it may have damaged a valve or piston or even the cylinder head but I think that is unlikely from your description. Good luck.