Slightly off topic, i have a 1.4s mark 4 (1999)VW golf i think the cambelt has snapped. Will this have done any damage to the valves? Help

yes.

you should have heard a ticking noise b4 the engine went off

Probably

Depends on how your luck is. I've seen them gone and cause no damage at all other than replacing the belt. On the other side of the coin I've seen them go and the engine has required a new head and valve train, in this case it is often cheaper just to replace the engine.

Best of luck

Didnt notice any noise it seemed to loose power then cut out. Ive removed the timimg belt cover and the cam belt is not moving when the engine is cranked. I was only doing approx 10 mph. I would have thought I would have heard a noise if the pistons were hitting the valves. It seems to be a plastic tensioner that causes most problems but I cant find out if the pistons hit the valves if this happens.
Thanks for the replys will have to have a better look in daylight

[Edited on 25/3/11 by Bigheppy]

its a common problem on 1.4l engines....VW-mechanics recommend to replace the belt AND the tensioner pulley every 50.000km!!!

the tensioner pulley is causing the problem, not the belt itself. the belt would last much longer.

[Edited on 25/3/11 by alfas]