Timing belt question

[xsara92]

Hi
With the 1.6HDi 16V Is there any way of knowing if a timing belt has broken without starting the engine or removing the cover (not a mechanic:( )
Cheers

[PaulC5]

If you remove the oil filler cap and can see the camshaft then you could put it in a gear, release the handbrake and then push the car a bit and see if the camshaft moves. Obviously do this with the engine turned off and the key not in the ignition switch.

[xsara92]

Thanks Paul, I couldn't muster the strength to push the car far enough, or it was on too rough a surface.
Fortunately the belt lives on, had to turn the key in the end.