Failiure of cam shaft

[tim1968]

Hello, has anyone had the following happen:
Driving along in 126 and engine just stops. When tried to re-start the engine spins much faster than normal indicating loss of compression.
Sat for the summer due to lack of time until a few days ago. I removed engine from car expecting blown head gasket or possibly a stuck valve.
Removed tinware and rocker cover. Removed spark plugs and turned the engine by hand. piston feel smooth but the push rods do not move up and down. Removed tappets etc but still no movement. There are not rattles or clunks coming from the engine as it turns over as you might expect if the cam shaft had sheered.
I have not opened the block yet as I don't have a work bench and it started raining (doing work on the drive).
Any ideas from any one.
tim

[ChrisRLewis]

Maybe a problem with the timing chain?

[tim1968]

I thought it was a gear off the crank shaft rather than a chain, but if it were a chain then a simple fix 😀.

[tim1968]

You sir are entirely correct and I can buy a new timing chain for £20! I was thinking I might need another engine.
Many thanks

[Rusty's Uncle]

It is worth inspecting the camshaft while you are there as in my experience about 1 in 3-4 used camshafts I have inspected have a severely worn lobe or two.