Lack of compression

[Jeremy Fisher]

My Freelander will not start and the engine is turning over very much faster than normal. I have checked I have a spark and fuel getting through and I have both but every time I turn it over it does not sound as it usually does. It does not sound if the engine is cranking. Can anyone suggest what it could be and also what I should / should not do as I do not want to cause any damage.

[Jon v8]

I think the damage is already done,sounds like a broken cam belt.Take the top cover off to see.

[Jeremy Fisher]

Hi Jon V8,

Thanks for your reply. In your opinion could turning the engine over have cuase more damage to the engine.

I think this sounds out of my league so will have to take to a garage.

[Satancom]

Did the freelander stop one day while driving it or did you park it up normally and it fail to start the next day?

if the belt has gone cranking probably hasn't helped.

[TEMPL4R]

If it's a 1.8, check the oil colour.

We do get a few problems when they flood after standing, the petrol washes the bores and the engine spins quite quickly.

If you take the little plate off the end of the exhaust camshaft, ( gearbox end of the head, a black plate with 2 bolts in it.) you can see if it turns when someone trys to start the car.

Chris