Driving when engine totally shut down

[gooser1974]

Hi all,

Just towed my Vectra 1.8 SXI back home
I had just pulled off from traffic lights when everything just seem to shut down. The engine stopped, power steering etc all ceased. When I tried to start it sounds like a spinning noise coming from under the bonnet but the engine doesnt even try to fire up.
There was no flashing lights or anything when everything shut down, nor any loud bangs or noises, the entire car seemed to shutdown. The electrics appear ok as the radio still works, as do all the lights and electric windows.
I will be transfering the car to a garage on Monday but would just try and get some idea of what could be wrong before I start talking to a mechanic.
As you can guess I am no petrol head lol!!

Thanks in advance

[John LE]

I think your timing belt has broken/come off mate

[gooser1974]

Thanks John....there was no big bang or anything, and the belt still had 10k left to go too
I was only doing about 10mph and stopped within about 20 yards so just gotta keep my fingers crossed that I haven't done too much damage I gues!!

[John LE]

When you were turning it over did it sound like it normally does?

When timing belts fail they don't always make much noise (they do sometimes). Hopefully though there are no bent valves

[gooser1974]

No...when I turn the key it sounds like something is just spinning...it doesnt try to turn over as such like it does when its trying to fire up, just a spinning sound.

Wierd!

[gooser1974]

Assuming no bent valves, what do you reckon the damage (in ££££'s) should be?

[Paulrushton]

Defo timing belt. I had one go on an old Clio
No bang. No noise. I was doing about 5mph. Bent two valves luckily. When you turn it over it'll sound faster and higher pitched.

[Paulrushton]

If no actual damage would just be the cost of a new belt and ancillary parts. I think it'll be a contact engine though...

[gooser1974]

Excuse my ignorance Paul...what does contact engine mean?

[Paulrushton]

Where the valve hit the pistons mate. Got my fingers crossed for you.