Vauxhall Tigra engine cut out, will turn over but won't start,

Car: Vauxhall Tigra
Variant: 1.4 manual petrol coupe
Model Year: 1997
Categories: Running Rough, Starting & Power Loss
Was driving along in third gear, changed to 4th and heard a clunk, the engine cut out. Pulled over and got petrol as it was a bit low, topped up fuel and tried to start again but it wouldn't start, it was turning over but not firing up. Even tried bump starting it over 10 times while being towed but it wouldn't start. Any response would be most appreciated.

Cheers

Duncan
Posted: Feb 10, 2011 (13 years ago)
Check timing belt .
Posted Feb 10, 2011 (13 years ago)
the clunk before the engine cut out would suggest snapped timing belt,you need to remove the timing belt cover to investigate further,if the belt is ok and timing is ok then do a compression test,check for fuel and spark etc
Posted Feb 10, 2011 (13 years ago)
I would agree with 2145simon sounds like the timing belt.Get it checked out before trying to start the vehicle again as if the belt has gone then everytime you try start the car you can cause a lot more damage as the vauxhalls engines dont take much before they decide to start doing valve damage etc.
Posted Feb 10, 2011 (13 years ago)
thanks lads ile have look tommorow.
Posted Feb 11, 2011 (13 years ago)
Timing belt is fine, checked plugs and they are sparking ok, checked power is getting to the fuel pump, still won't start, when i checked the plugs i could smell petrol on them.
Posted Feb 11, 2011 (13 years ago)
remove the plugs and allow the cylinders to dry out and dry the plugs,have you checked the compressions as suggested before
Posted Feb 11, 2011 (13 years ago)
When trying to start the engine is there any strange noises coming from it as i dont realy no what you mean by a clunk but im assuming its something internal in the engine so get a compression check done on each cylinder then if all is ok we can work from there.Might be worth getting under the vehicle and giving the cat a few thumps with your hand as it may have collapsed which will then stop the car from starting.
Posted Feb 11, 2011 (13 years ago)
you say timing belt is ok but have you actually checked the timing?
Posted Feb 12, 2011 (13 years ago)
As " paulieone " suggests , timing could have jumped for any different reasons .
Posted Feb 16, 2011 (13 years ago)

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