Whatsup guys. I have no idea where to start on this one... but I was driving my 95 ESI today, just cruising about 90 when all of a sudden it just died on me. All the electrical components were still working, but the engine just bogged down and died. I tried down-shifting and it bump started long enough to get me in the drive way.

Before it cut off I was listening to it and under 2k rpm, there was a real loud rattle coming from the timing side of the engine, and when I got it up past 2k, it just stopped rattling and sounded decent until I get off the throttle and it would bog down and try to cut off again. I let it cut off and hit the key, it turns over very strong but wont crank.

I'm suspecting a timing issue, but I was wondering if anyone else ever had a problem like this and maybe had a better place to start diagnosing. I mean it's getting fuel and spark, but won't crank. Since I'm not going to make it to work until she's fixed, looks like I'll be spending quite a little quality time getting to know her better.

But any help is greatly appreciated guys, I'll keep this updated as much as possible.

Do a compression test.

Sounds like you may have gotten lucky and the tensioner or one of the idlers is going.

Could also be internal, but the compression test needs to be done to see.

You need to a visual inspection of anything you can. Pop the timing inspection cover and see if there is any slack on the belt between the cam gears. If there is any slack, or it appears something loose do not crank the motor.

Please use the correct verbiage when describing your situation as well. Cranking means that when you turn the key the starter motor is engaging the flywheel and the crankshaft is turning over - not necessarily firing up.

When was the last timing belt change? How many miles on the motor? What components were replaced when the service was performed? How do you know it has fuel and spark? Did you just look for fuel at the test port or did you hook up a fuel pressure gauge and verify against OEM spec? Same questions go for spark.

How can you ask us if we have encountered a similar problem or situation when we do not have any details/facts on your situation? I am not trying to badger you however on an interference engine that is known to experience timing belt failures why would you attempt to restart the motor after it dying on you on the freeway? That action is asking for further damage (if you were lucky enough to escape it when the motor died without piston to valve contact). When hearing a loud rattling at low RPM for heaven's sake why would you rev the motor higher without establishing first what the rattle is?

Well just did a compression test. it read about 100-105 across the board. The timing belt was supposed to been replaced about 6 months ago, however when I popped the inspection cover off, it looks like it has stress cracks across the entire belt and the edge looks really crappy. It's still tight but I definately think my problem is in the timing.

The reason I revved it up when I heard the rattle was to make sure it wasn't a rod bearing. Since it stopped after 2k then that ruled that out. I know that wasn't a smart thing to do but I needed to have somewhere to start.

With that kind of compression you're getting with horrible rattling, the timing probably jumped a tooth or two and/or the pulleys have taken a shit. I had the same thing happen to me a few years ago. Get the timing kit from parts dinosaur with the mechanical tensioner and redo the timing yourself. I'd bet that your compression will suddenly jump back up ~80 psi

Timing is shot and be sure to compression test across the board once you replace it. with those numbers it is possible the valves are no longer sealing :)

Thanks alot guys. That's exactly what I was thinking and what everyone's been telling me. Hopefully I'll have her back together by the end of next week.

But one more question. Is a mechanical tensioner tensioner more reliable than a hydraulic tensioner?

With the mechanical tensioner it's more reliable as long as it's set properly.

WWWOOOOOOOOO!!! I finally got it running. It's been a while but I finally tore it down yesterday and it was both the tensioner and idler pulleys. The bearings were non exsistent. Pulled the cover off and all I heard was all the balls hitting the ground (no pun intended). All that was left was the metal on the pulleys. Anyone have an idea on why that happens or is that normal wear?

Since you stated that the timing belt had cracking all over it, it`s obvious it`s never been touched. Part of a timing belt job is replacement of pulleys, so things like what you experienced don`t happen.

Originally posted by eclipserstturbo
All that was left was the metal on the pulleys. Anyone have an idea on why that happens or is that normal wear?

My guess would be that they did the belt (when you said it was done 6 months ago), but didn't do the pulleys and adjuster.

"You can pay me now.....or you can pay me later" scenario ;-)

Well, I definately think they ripped me off on the timing. But now that I know how to do it, I don't have to worry about that happening again. But thanks for all the help guys.