Car handling problem - help!

[HillmanImp]

Mayo under oil filler cap could just be condensation couldn't it.

[daverapid]

I'm thinking out of the box a bit here...

 

If it started making that noise just after you fired it up and then wouldn't turn over next time you tried to start it seems possible that the starter motor has broken/stuck/permanently engaged with the flywheel.

 

Obviously it's kind of guesswork from behind a keyboard....my first thought was timing chain failure but I see that's been ruled out.

[jonny69]

Has the starter motor come loose?

[matty879]

will it go if you tow start it?just to try pinpoint  the noise, if theyre anything like my e46 325 the starter are a common fault and a complete bitch to do.

[nigel bickle]

If it doesn't turn over, how did he diagnose hgf?

 

Sounds like the starter motor to me, probably loose, and that clattering noise was the pinion belting the flywheel, as it fell out. Prob a dead simple mend.

 

Then , and only when it's running, or at least turning over, can you diagnose hgf, or knackered belts.