VW Passat Cam Belt

[Tilly-1]

Help please
My poor son purchased a Passat 3 weeks ago ( 1.8 20 valve) tonight his car spluttered and stopped,( he was traveling at about 35 mph) the cam belt has snapped, and 8-9 teeth have been sheared off. Is there an easy way to check if he has valve damage with out taking the head off ?
I know some cars are more prone to damage than others when the belt snaps.
Oh yes when we looked in the boot for a torch.... there was an old valve under the carpet, so it looks like this motor has suffered the same problem before
Thanks
Lynn

 

[jonnyfishing]

Lynn

Yes, first the belt has to be replaced then a compression check done.I'm sorry to say but I think all "Passats" are classed as "interference engines"and damage is most likely to occur.

 

[Tilly-1]

Thanks Jonny as I feared ( a new engine) I bet every valve and piston is smashed, I was just praying it was one of those engine that would escape the wrath of the belt .
I called my son this morning to try and convey to him how much damage there could be ( he thinks after a new belt he will be back on the road) HA!
I called VW today apparently there is a problem with tensioner ( mainly 98's) Belts have been slipping, jumping and snapping and they have a modified tensioner.... it looks like this has been the problem with my sons car previously, and now.
Any one out there with a passat, check you have the " new tensioner fitted"
Lynn