[Shotimes] Is engine OK? was: SHO cranking but not starting

[Steve Weinrich]

Jim,

Several issues come to mind.

Too much timing belt slack.  How old is it?  ATX or MTX?  Might just be a
stretched belt that has jumped time - check static belt alignment.  If ATX,
might be the tensioner has lost pressure.

The noise is likely to be either rod bearings, cam chains/tensioner, or
crank cancer.  Was there a good dusting of reddish powder inside the timing
belt covers?  This is a strong (but not the only) indicator of crank cancer.
A mechanic's stethoscope is a valuable tool for isolating the source of the
knock/noise.  About $10 Unless you have a harbor Freight nearby, then $2.50
on one of their sales).

Do check the IAB.  It is likely the source of your idle problems.  Look for
other vacuum leaks before jumping into replacing it.

Steve

----- Original Message -----
From: "Koper Jim" <jkoper@frankgates.com>
To: <shotimes@autox.team.net>
Sent: Tuesday, March 16, 2004 7:48 AM
Subject: [Shotimes] Is engine OK? was: SHO cranking but not starting


> Hello again,
>
> Still trying to solve this mystery.
> I pulled the top timing belt cover to see if the belt was still one unit.
It
> was! However, I was wondering how much 'give' the belt should have between
> the two camshaft sprockets. I have about 1/2" of give. Perhaps the timing
> belt tensioner needs checked? I reinstalled the cover and checked the fuel
> rail--it was pressurizing properly.
>
> I went to start it just for kicks, and it did start, though somewhat
> weakly--it didn't exactly fire to life. I heard the starter's high-pitched
> whirr and the engine stumbled to life as if by accident. It did not seem
to
> idle smoothly at a given RPM. The idle speed itself varied from 700-1600
> RPMs, so I will check the IAB.
>
> The thing that I am concerned about is an engine noise I am hearing. It
> seems to be coming from deep within the engine (block) and is subtle--a
> gentle knocking. It didn't start until a minute or two of that varied
idling
> mentioned before. IIRC, it sounds like a far away diesel that is idling.
> This is not the beginning of spun bearings, or is it? (no oil light comes
> on). If a woodruff key/dampener pulley is starting to go (or has gone),
that
> would advance/retard the timing. Could the engine run at all with a bad
> woodruff key? I haven't really heard any strange noises from the pulley
> area. 60K done 10K ago, so I can't imagine crank cancer.
>
> Would the camshaft sensor be a possible culprit (replaced 1.5 years/10K
> miles ago)?
>
> Anyway, after hearing the odd engine sound (gentle knocking?) I felt a bit
> uneasy and shut the engine off.
> Is there any other item I missed? I keep 'ruling out' stuff, but can't
> figure out what could possibly be next to check out.
>
> Thanks for your advice and suggestions.
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