Fiesta Diesel 1994

Sound's like a timing belt problem. As it still turns + tries to start, it sounds more like the pump timing belt has somehow jumped a few teeth. Best way is to take the timing covers off, and look for anything out the ordinary. If the camshaft timing belt had jumped/snapped, the engine would of come to a rather abrupt halt.

The message from Pete contains these words:

Head gasket? It'd be a major blow if it is! You sure it ain't the exhaust?

I managed to get it to start yesterday after work. i guess its warmer of an evening ? it still sounds like a tank though. The head gasket has recently been changed. as there is still a bit of oil in the water making it hard to tell if its gone again. going to flush it this weekend then run it a bit to make sure its not the gasket.

If the heater works when the car is warm and there is no oil in the water and vice versa that eliminates the gasket dosent it ?

ill check covers too. im fairly sure it isnt the exhaust as the noise seems to be coming from the top of the engine. and there is quite a bit of power loss. :-(

however the car did drive and i belive it still would as long as its well revved.

You may have dropped a valve, this then blows back through the air inlet causing loads of noise and loss of power.

mrcheerful