v6 engine problem

[fairlight08]

hi all

i need help with a problem with my v6 i was driving it down the road the other day and it started to make a strange noise i pulled the clutch in then the car cut out.
and had smoke coming from the cam cover on the front of the engine when i started to strip the engine down today i found that the cam belt had melted it has not snapped but when i tryed to turn the engine over the cams are jamed and there is no compresion in the engine does this mean i have done the valves and pistons?
i was hoping just to change the cam belts any ideas?

[steve_earwig]

Eek! It sounds like something siezed and stripped the belt. I'm not sure what but it's going to be extensive. Take the cam covers off and see if you can see anything but I don't think you'll know the extent of the damage until you get the heads off

[mjb]

Ouch

Water pump might have seized causing the belt to slip. Or something. The camshafts being jammed is probably a good indicator of a terminal problem.

If it's not a mint condition coupe, it's probably time for a new car - you can pick up another 406 V6 for as little as £600 on ebay now... Alternatively if you've got the ability to transport and lift a heavy engine and don't mind switching the heads over, you can get another engine for around £3-400 on ebay

[fairlight08]

hi all

cam covers are off one of the pullys on the second head has had it big time the belt is more than striped lol am just taking the rest of the pullys off to change the cam belt but am sure the valves are going to be bend big style am gonna go for it and hope for the best as the car was only on tick over when it happened i will give an up date once i have changed the belt thanks all for your in put

[teamster1975]

Fingers crossed for you chap! Welcome btw

[steve_earwig]

Good luck! Turn it over by hand first...

[fairlight08]

hi all

engine has had it it can be rebuild but am looking at £800 plus so am gonna go for a new lump the car is in to good nick to scrap.
i didnt check the valves but am 100% there bent looking at the state of the pullys other bits it doesnt look good most thinks have melted under the cam covers i was going to change the cam belt but think it will be a waste of money my track record with engines is not the best so think it will be best to change the engine will also be cheaper for my wallet am not giving up on her just yet

[teamster1975]

Oh bugger, sorry to hear that
Hope you source a decent cheap lump quickly!

[fairlight08]

ebay seem the way forward for an engine they go very cheap got my eye on a lump so should be able to get cracking in a few weeks and get her back on the road.
also i have a sports stearing wheel does anyone know how to get the factory on off without setting the air bag off etc i had a quick look but could'nt seem to work it out

[fairlight08]

hi all

found an engine at last so i can get things moving but am un sure on one thing!!
do i need to change my ecu if am putting another engine in?

[Welly]

I don't think you'll need to change the ecu if it's around the same year model etc I know that with some diesels you need get the engine and the keys/ignition so the fuel stop solenoid still works.

Can't you ask an engine type place just to be sure? just make out you're enquiring about the cost etc.....

[mjb]

I think the only "coded" part of most engine management systems (bar the ECU) is the injectors, so you might need to switch them round, but I don't think it's the case with 406s

[fairlight08]

thanks all for the input i have just spoke to the chap with the engine there is a slight problem tho the engine he has is an auto so would i just take the fly wheel of my old engine so it will work with my maunel gearbox?
this is the frist v6 i have had to do an engine change on not looking forward to taking the engine out the data box i have states it a ten hr job to remove the engine lol

[steve_earwig]

According to the mechanic we used to have here the auto is a different block

[fairlight08]

oh thats not good news could i not put my block from my old engine on the auto one would that work?