Alternator belt

You will need to take the PAS belt off first. Remove the top two rad bolts and the cowl for better access.

Busta wrote: That's a handy picture of the tensioner Facade. Thank you! It's a 6mm allen key isn't it?

It is 10mm AF, and rather awkward to get in with the radiator on as you can't see it.

2013gary wrote: Thanks everyone for your input so far. I've managed to get everything back together but now the car won't run. It starts fine but there aren't enough revs to keep it running. The battery light goes on and off and the car dies within a second or two unless I keep my foot on the gas. The only way I can describe it is that it feels the same as it would feel if someone had blocked the exhaust pipe. Any suggestions?!

I had to tow the car to my mechanic as I could not get it to start. He plugged it in and got 4 error codes for a misfire on one of the cylinders. While investigating he noticed that the coil on the rear of the engine had a hole burned through it - which I am guessing is due to it almost overheating after the belt snapped. He replaced this and is still unable to start the car, although the codes for the misfire are no longer showing. He has done a compression test which has confirmed that the head gasket is fine. He's a good mechanic who I have known for a few years and even he said it's a weird one. He asked me if I could have accidentally put diesel in it, to which I replied it's highly unlikely.

Anyone have any ideas?

So the engine starts and then cuts out, is this true? If so I would look at the cam and crankshaft sensors.

mickt wrote: So the engine starts and then cuts out, is this true? If so I would look at the cam and crankshaft sensors.

Spot on. The crankshaft sensor had broken. Probably when I was trying to pry the alternator with a bar to yet the belt on. Oh well, you live and learn. Thanks for the reply

Ah yes, it sits under the alternator. If a problem didn't exist before you touched it you have always done something to cause it. The voice of experience!

Kirkynut