Non starter

[deano123uk]

Help I've got a 2.0 diesel xtype I reversed it on my drive on Friday went away for the weekend jumped in it on Monday battery was down manage to get a jump start but was turning over and not starting took it to the garage they said there is no compression on three of the cylinders I just can't understand what happened any ideas ?

[msmicksmith]

No compression on 3 cylinders is a tough one. On 4 I would say snapped timing chain but if 1 cylinder has compression then the valves must be operating in which case the chain must be intact and turning the cams.

I have to say I don't believe the garages diagnosis.

When you turn the engine over, how does it sound? Does it make an even, rhythmic pop pop pop pop (sorry) or does it turn quick then slow, quick then slow?

[deano123uk]

Hi it turns over pretty quick but it sounds like it's either the top or the bottom of the engine is turning if that makes any sence

All the best

Dean

[msmicksmith]

The liklihood then, given your description and the garages diagnosis, is that the cam chain snapped causing the valves in 3 cylinders to bend. The 4th cylinder might have got lucky and the cams been in such a position that they were closed when it snapped. This would be the only way I could see it having compression on 1 cylinder but not the other 3. Sadly for you that means cylinder head off and possible replacement head. When valves are bent by contact with pistons in that way, the result is often cracked valve guides in the head. They can be machined out and replaced if your garage has the facilities. If they aren't cracked, which I've only come across a few times (and I've done several hundred cylinder heads) then the valves need replacing and grinding in. It's not a job for the inexperienced and will cost a bit in labour. Worst case, expect around 8-12 hours labour at a competent garage. That is if it is the camchain that has snapped.