Hi,

I was wondering whether i is possible for the timing belt to become misaligned due to something done when changing the water pump?

My car wouldnt start earlier in the week and Ive never experienced this problem before. The AA took it to my local garage who after many hours discovered that a crankshaft bolt was loose, timing belts was misaligned, 10 values were bent amoungst other things. They suggested that it would be unlikely that the crankshaft bolt would loosen itself and asked what other work ahs been carried out on the car in the past.

The only thing that has been done is the water pump was replaced by mini in late April as part of the recalls that took place. Is it possible that the issues I'm having now is down to something that took place during the replacement?

Help would be much appreciated.

S

If u have an mcs. i know they have chain for timing and not a belt..water pump is very quick to fix & should not have anything to do with timing belts or chains


Tab

Hi,

I was wondering whether i is possible for the timing belt to become misaligned due to something done when changing the water pump?

My car wouldnt start earlier in the week and Ive never experienced this problem before. The AA took it to my local garage who after many hours discovered that a crankshaft bolt was loose, timing belts was misaligned, 10 values were bent amoungst other things. They suggested that it would be unlikely that the crankshaft bolt would loosen itself and asked what other work ahs been carried out on the car in the past.

The only thing that has been done is the water pump was replaced by mini in late April as part of the recalls that took place. Is it possible that the issues I'm having now is down to something that took place during the replacement?

Help would be much appreciated.

S

Sorry but you didn't state what engine you have.

I replaced my wifes Cooper D water pump recently, the engine in her car is the older Peugeot/Citroen/Ford unit and not the more recent BMW diesel. I also replaced the timing belt, tensioner and idler pulley. It's not a difficult job for a competent home mechanic.

If the timing belt slips due to a loose crankshaft pulley then yes, your engine timing will be wrong and piston/valve contact and damage can occur. The crankshaft pulley bolt should be torqued to a predetermined value (I forget what it is) to prevent the timing being affected through a loose pulley.

Proving who is to blame could be difficult unless you can get the garage and the AA's legal department to discuss your grievance with the Mini dealership that did the work.