car makes grinding noise when starting

[paul219]

My partners car when startin up after being stood for a while refuses to start. On pressing the start button it makes a what can be discribed as a grinding noise. To get the car started you have to hit the revs quite hard straight away and loads of gray smoke bellows from the exhaust. The car also lacks power. Anybody help

[Jonault]

It would be helpful if you could let the forum know what engine size/type is fitted?

[Busy_Man]

I bet 1.6 meg!

[silencer51]

Dephaser pulley failure on the 1,6 K4M engine, typical symptoms.

Someone should sticky a thread with the main symptoms on the title, this question gets asked a lot

[paul219]

yeah sorry engine size 1.6 16v. Only done 18000 miles so i take it this is a common fault and does't wear away due to age or mileage.

[AlexB]

It is discussed here:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8033

I am 100% sure it is a dephaser problem. The dephaser and the belts must be replaced -- there is no other way. Make sure that a dephaser having the latest part number is fitted.

Could you please tell us a bit more about your car, just to contribute to our collective knowledge. The production date and the dates/mileages of servicing are of particular interest. I hope you did not attempt to run for two years without oil change...