It all started with a broken timing belt

[Simion]

Hi Peoples I'm after a bit of advise...I did a timing belt on my VL I think I found top dead centre( both valves closed, piston at top of stroke, rotor pointing to no. 1, 1st mark from the left on harmonic lined up with mark on timing cover) replaced the belt retensioned according to the Haynes manual turned it over had what sounded like huge exhaust leak and not enough power to move the car, took head off, reseated valves, replaced 5 broken exhaust studs put it all back together and won't go. Did computer diagnosis all came back clear except speed sensor cause I can't move the car, can only get orange-red spark from grounded coil lead and spark plug when the manual says it should be blue. Any ideas would be appreciated

[walesy]

if you broke the belt while the car was running you valves will be bent... time for a new set

[Sabby]

ouch, that sounds expensive, is it?

[BIT_SUS]

broken valves haha if ya lucky maybe a couple of bent conrods aswell.
id say get a second hand engine or rebuild it cheif..

[BIT_SUS]

do a compression test that will tell ya if you bent any valves

[lil_oneblue]

PM me if ya interested in a near new head (only 20,000km) or if you want a good s/h one thats done about 200,000. or even if you just want valves i have a head that is cracked that i can pull apart for bits u may need.
cheers
jason

[Simion]

Timing belt broke as the car was started no bent valves, they were checked, no marks on piston tops or anything indicating any strike damage between valves and piston top, will do a compression test today see what comes up.

[bangers]

borrow a friends coil and do a quick swap and see if that changes the spark colour.

[Simion]

I replaced the coil yesterday and no difference, I tested the power transistor and it isn't that either, the crank angle sensor has been replaced a few times over the years but that always shows up on the computer diagnosis test and it didn't come up this time. I've got a spare CAS but doesn't sound like the CAS has gone.

[bangers]

did you reset the ecu?

[Bax]

CAS doesn't have to show up on the sensor to be on its way out, but your right it doesn't really sound like a CAS.

I don't see how bent valves would cause orange red spark from the coil.

Battery fully charged? Does it take long to turn over?

[Simion]

Yeah reset ECU and battery fully charged, will crank instantly and strongly just no sign of firing.

[bangers]

i'd say your coil is stuffed if you have some spark.

[Tree cutter]

Try another coil lead

[rb26dett]

check the coil for cracks on the back of it

[Simion]

Will try a new coil lead and do a compression test today see if anything comes of it

[genetic_freak]

the rb30 is a free spinning motor. so logically speaking you wont bend valves.
if you have a orange red spark then the most likely cause would be low voltage in the spark system, ie coil, cap rotor etc. or it could be you have missed an earth somewhere.
hope this helps

[mag]

Will try a new coil lead and do a compression test today see if anything comes of it

Any news yet??

[Simion]

Haven't been able to get to it today...will try and get to it on sunday, will be a pity if it is dead the engine was so clean when it was opened up

[Clutchy]

Could the belt be 1 tooth out ? hence the weak spark ? I wouldent kno never had any thing to do with a vl just an idea that came to me wile reading this thread.

[harry3]

are you saying the RB30 is freewheeling and not interference when the belt breakes
I thought it was interference with bent valves, pistons and maybe rods

[Simion]

Couldn't tighten the compression tester into the spark plug holes so only read 90 psi per cylinder for all 6 pots and the coil lead was replaced and still nothing...anybody want to buy a VL wagon with a motor that should be going ??....Thanks to all that replied to this thread

[mag]

Couldn't tighten the compression tester into the spark plug holes so only read 90 psi per cylinder for all 6 pots and the coil lead was replaced and still nothing...anybody want to buy a VL wagon with a motor that should be going ??....Thanks to all that replied to this thread

It was running fine b4 the belt broke yes??

If so ur going to have to take it apart again and re-check the timing marks for the cam belt, it MUST be out!!!