FrenchTF

An update. Partly relieved, mainly confused!

The cambelt looks OK (passes the 'leaves slight mark if you press it with a screwdriver' test), the tension is OK, there is no leak around the water pump and there is no apparent damage to it or the alternator. No bearing play on either so far as you can tell.

But. The alternator belt is slightly damaged along the outer edge (yellow circle in photo) and there are some fibres trapped on the pulley (red circle). No apparent damage to the pulley.

Any opinions would be most welcome.

Also is there any harm in starting the engine with the upper cam cover removed - something might become more obvious?