My 1999 Ford Escort 55 disel van won't start. I suspect that it may be the timing belt as when the engine is turned over the camshaft doesn't turn. How do I tell for sure that it is the belt, how easy is it to replace and if the belt has gone as I suspect what damage will it have done to the engine. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

A. Hodgkinson, April 2007

Your timing belt has snapped (camshaft not turning). You will almost certainly have damaged valves. Afraid it's a head off job. Cost for this should be around the £250 mark (valves 8 x £11, head gasket set £25, Timing belt kit £60, labour £150) That's from the last one I did. Some garages won't replace all the valves which I personally see as false economy, if your changing 3 or 4 you may as well change them all.

JBM (Scotland), April 2007