I have a 2003 2.0 Zetec ESP which I haven't had any issues with until sat night, just driving at around 2500rpm in top the car made a strangeish noise and cut out, all dash lights illuminated including the engine management light. As the car was freewheeling I tried to bump start no luck then when I came to a stop turned the key, engine turns over but doesn't start. Whilst turning the engine makes a constant whine on cranking, my inital thoughts were timing belt failure but on removal of cam cover and rocker cover all is fine. Taken spark plugs out to have a look inside chamber and all seem to be fine, and a definate smell of petrol when you crank. Now at a loss but will try to see if there is a spark first of all tommorow but after that not to sure. Any ideas

Is it a failed Clutch? could be that the DMF has gone and the bits are in the starter?

No the pistons are going up and down fine, after a little research on here in the common probs page it may be a camshaft sensor issue. I will hook it up to a fault code reader and also see if there is a spark.

Good choice of action, camshaft is quite likely, but thought best to ask. Even then if it is just the starter I would expect the pistons to move freely

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Well after checking everything, and checking tinternet I came to the conclusion of a timing problem and on closer inspection the timing belt tensioner plastic ring disintergrated and the belt has slipped. Long and short I have 8 knackered exhaust valves, new head it is then.

ouch, how much is that going to cost you from what you found so far?

I have bought the belt kit, £64. A second hand head around £150 and whatever the gasket kit is. The pistons have very minor damage so they should be fine. As I am doing the job with a neighbour labour is nothing. Oh plus a tenner fot the timing locking pins and bar. If I have time I will post picks of head plus damaged and new tensioner.

Good luck and I hope you can sort it out for cheap!