Author Topic: Can a M42 motor come out of time? (Read 23518 times)

rallyegolf · « **on:** January 11, 2009, 04:30:09 PM »

I am wondering if I can loose timing without something breaking inside the motor?

I cant figure out why my car started running like crap and now it wont start.
So far I checked..
Cam sensor
Crank Sensor
coils
plug wires

everything that has to do with spark is good, and from the symptoms i had before it died, im not sure it is a fuel problem. Can a fuel injector go bad and cause a motor not to start?

peerless · « **Reply #1 on:** January 11, 2009, 05:12:42 PM »

Pull the lower pan and inspect for chain guide debris. Yes the chain guide can break apart, fall into the crank gear and slip the chain.

Typically you would hear a clacking noise before the failure unless it broke apart and got directly into the chain gear.

You honestly dont give enough information about the problem. Running like shit then won't start doesn't tell us a whole lot.

nomad · « **Reply #2 on:** January 11, 2009, 05:55:13 PM »

Cam sprocket could slip.
Other than that, I'm no expert.

B318M42W · « **Reply #3 on:** January 11, 2009, 08:03:47 PM »

i'd check the ICV... heard that it can cause a bad idle and even a no-start if it's really bad... might just need a really good cleaning!

and what were your other symptoms???

KenC · « **Reply #4 on:** January 11, 2009, 08:40:25 PM »

Quote from: nomad;64480

Cam sprocket could slip.
Other than that, I'm no expert.

Yeah, but it can't slip far enough for the timing to be that bad. The sprockets are adjustable to a certain degree.

rallyegolf · « **Reply #5 on:** January 11, 2009, 11:40:46 PM »

I only drive the car about 5 miles a day, and I let it sit for about 2 weeks without driving it over the holidays. It started up kind of rough the first time, but ran okay. the next day while driving to work, it stalled out at a light and would only run if I kept on the gas. It would not idle. Then when I got it home, I let it idle for about 10 seconds before it died, and I could not get it to start after that.

When I try to start it, it sounds normal for about 6-8 cranks, then clicks and just stops cranking. I even got a pop out of the tail pipe once trying to crank it over.

Every test I ran, I came up good..... so far....
good CPS 1280 ohms
good Fuel Pump "pulled relay and ran bridge wire test"
good Spark "pulled plugs and grounded while cranking motor"
good Crank Sensor 520 ohms
good coils
good relays

Everything under the valve cover looks good and tight.

I will have to remove the ICV and clean it out tomorrow and see if that fixes it.

Any other suggestions???

rallyegolf · « **Reply #6 on:** January 11, 2009, 11:44:37 PM »

ohh and i'm not pulling any codes...

KenC · « **Reply #7 on:** January 11, 2009, 11:57:37 PM »

Throttle Position Sensor OK?

What is your fuel pressure at the rail?

roundel318 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 12, 2009, 08:18:02 AM »

Was your fuel pump test the main one in the tank or the starter pump up front?

rallyegolf · « **Reply #9 on:** January 12, 2009, 09:30:14 AM »

Quote from: roundel318;64516

Was your fuel pump test the main one in the tank or the starter pump up front?

I tested the main one in the tank.

I also cleaned out and tested the ICV this morning and it did not help.

I tried to crank it over again, and nothing. I then pulled a plug from the first cylinder and tried to smell for fuel, and there was a slight fuel smell on the plug, but I could not smell any fuel down in the cylinder. I think I have to check for fuel pressure and make sure it is getting all the way to the injectors.

rallyegolf · « **Reply #10 on:** January 12, 2009, 09:30:48 AM »

Quote from: KenCopperwheat;64502

Throttle Position Sensor OK?

What is your fuel pressure at the rail?

How do I test a TPS?

EN318isPDX · « **Reply #11 on:** January 12, 2009, 01:40:20 PM »

Quote from: rallyegolf;64522

How do I test a TPS?

Unplugged... Turn key to ACC, Plug meter in and open and close the throttle... look for #s being no throttle = low # and as you increase the throttle the number should increase.. if at any time it shows 0 than the sensor is bad.

rallyegolf · « **Reply #12 on:** January 12, 2009, 07:01:09 PM »

TPS is good. Any other ideas? I will have to check the fuel pressure this week and make sure that is okay. I have ran out of ideas if the fuel is there...

RED IS 91 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 13, 2009, 09:40:28 AM »

Where do you live ?? Is it cold there ? Maybe while sitting the gas tank condensated and you have a little water in the tank. Maybe a can of dry gas will help.
Just a thought but it sounds fuel related .

rallyegolf · « **Reply #14 on:** January 13, 2009, 10:15:56 AM »

I live in Southern California, and my car stays in a heated garage. I had to fix a leak in my shower yesterday, but today I will focus on the fuel system and see what I can do. Maybe by testing the fuel pressure I can purge out some bad gas in the line, or a little condensation.

thanks for the advise.