loud knocking/banging!!!

[a1alan]

hi to all....
i have golf 1.9tdi 1998 194k..
heres my problem whilst driving the car today at about 30mph i got a sudden banging /knocking from the engine i pulled over straight away and stopped the car .restarted the car , timing seems ok (recent belt kit & bottom pulley been replaced)but the banging sounds poss bottom end (very loud) there is no unusual smoke from exhast oil light stays off ....can anyone offer any suggestions ??? could it be big ends gone? all i know is that it was sudden and it dont sound good .. is there an easy way to check various components before it goes to the garage?
many thanks

[Lex Luthor]

Loose bottom pulley ?
By bottom pulley I take it you mean the crankshaft pulley.

[a1alan]

hi to all....
i have golf 1.9tdi 1998 194k..
heres my problem whilst driving the car today at about 30mph i got a sudden banging /knocking from the engine i pulled over straight away and stopped the car .restarted the car , timing seems ok (recent belt kit & bottom pulley been replaced)but the banging sounds poss bottom end (very loud) there is no unusual smoke from exhast oil light stays off ....can anyone offer any suggestions ??? could it be big ends gone? all i know is that it was sudden and it dont sound good .. is there an easy way to check various components before it goes to the garage?
many thanks

UPDATE..... NOT GOOD...
took the cam cover off found a broken tappet.... in 3 bits only found 2 bits ...can anyone advise of the sort of damage that may of occured..i can see the top of the valve but the banging tells me its not good..

[Lex Luthor]

Logically the only damage will be to the top of the valve stem and the cam lobe.
The bits from the broken tappet need to be looked for, though if they went in the sump thats ok as you can change the oil when your done.

I would change the cam and all the followers and see if it runs ok.
If not then check the compressions to see if the valves were damaged before pulling the head.