Mazda 626 TD Cambelt Failure

Diesels run very close piston/valve clearances because of the constraints of designing an engine with a very high compression ratio. The valves will therefore have almost certainly hit the pistons and be bent. Because most diesels have vertical valves relative to the cylinder bore it's also possible for the impact to snap the camshaft. However piston and bottom end damage is unlikely and repairing a head with bent valves is no big deal. A garage will charge you several times more than you can buy the parts from factors though. In fact they generally charge OE main dealer prices for parts but actually buy the parts through the aftermarket for a fraction of the price. A nasty habit which I don't subscribe to.

-- Dave Baker

Thanks for reply

Had reply from garage (an independent village garage). They have said that they have been into thier computer and standard practise is to buy a reconditioned cylinder head and replace belt / tensioner etc. This will cost 1200 + vat.

Advice appreciated. This is a way bigger job than I could take on. Im based in Surrey. Thanks

Probably be much cheaper to ask them for a price for removing and refitting a cylinder head and then send the head to someone else for repair if all that needs doing is replacing bent valves. If you get stuck I'll repair the head for you. Not exactly a race engine but what the hell.

Email snipped-for-privacy@aol.com

Website pumaracing.co.uk

-- Dave Baker

Shame the mileage is so low on the car - could've been an excuse for a replacement lump.

The whole thing is a shame. Pretty much.

The whole thing is a shame. Pretty much.

That's a very kind offer Mr. Baker.