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Driving home from work yesterday in the fast lane on I-85 (Atlanta). All of a sudden, total loss of power. Luckily I made it to the breakdown lane before my brakes got completely stiff and the power steering died on me. After checking the fuel shutoff switch under the dash, and making sure the serpentine belt was still attached, I tried cranking it again. It spins, but won't turn over. I'm thinking a fuel pump problem, but would like to get some input on what else this could be before I see the repair bill this weekend. Anyone have any suggestions?
Welcome, When you post it best to post what kind of truck you have. For instance, "00 4x2 2.5L Ranger". Your truck sounds like it has lost it's timing belt if it is a 4 cyl. V6's have a timing chain... see what I'm getting at...
Check to see if you have any spark. If you do, you can squirt some brake cleen or carb cleaner in the intake, if that makes it fire than you have a fuel problem. A fuel problem could mean that your relay got hot and shut off or your pump went bad. You will have to trace it one step at a time.
If it is the timing belt, I'd go ahead and replace the thermostat and water pump while your in there... same location. Timing belts typically need to be changed every 60K miles on these 4 cylinders. A polite mechanic shouldn't charge you that mech more in labor since he is allready working in the same area... some do. You'll notice an improvement in how your truck runs after the timing belt change.
Sorry about the etiquette mishap; it's a 1993 2.3L 4 cylinder. I just spoke with the mechanic, and his initial thoughts are the timing belt as well. Is $250 a reasonable estimate for this? I've done small repairs myself before, but never dug into most of the engine compartment. I'll also give him a call and find out the additional cost for a thermostat and water pump. I really appreciate your replies!
No problem, most people leave out the truck info so ...
I think that price is good, really. I wrench my own cars so... Make sure you drive it when you pick it up to make sure he got the timing right. Sometimes they get off by a tooth.... make sure the price includes parts.
Does anybody know what brand water pump is the best to use? Use a RobertShaw thermostat.... maybe your radiator should be flushed as well. Mechanics like it when you get a bunch of stuff done and it's usually cheaper to do it now.
If it is the timing belt, I'd go ahead and replace the thermostat and water pump while your in there... same location. Timing belts typically need to be changed every 60K miles on these 4 cylinders. A polite mechanic shouldn't charge you that mech more in labor since he is allready working in the same area... some do. You'll notice an improvement in how your truck runs after the timing belt change.
Over and Out
Fully agree that is common with the 4-cykinders and a belt change about 60000 is recomended. Some will say they can last longer but as you just found out why take the chance. Last one I had done was around 200 bucks so that is in the ball park.
Haha, I will definitely be taking a look at that 'maintenance schedule' in the owners manual very soon. My dad bought the truck new, I bought it from him last year. Just spoke with him, and that's the original timing belt (150k miles), and he said the water pump is original too. I'm just glad the belt held out until I was out of rush hour traffic downtown.
Yeah, if you plan I driving the truck to 200K I'd go ahead and do the pump,thermo and flush. I wouldn't mess w/ the hoses unless they looked really bad, I don't think. You may need a new or rebuilt radiator (they are easy to change out) soon though, don't know. The major threat in the near future for that truck is it heating up because it is due for a cooling system overhaul. You could probably get 250K out that truck if you do the above.
I'm just glad the belt held out until I was out of rush hour traffic downtown.
It's funny that you say that. I'm one of those people who if I have a tire go flat it is usually in my driveway about 99.9% of the time. I've just been lucky in that reguard.
I'll have a flat tire on the freeway tomorrow now.
and his initial thoughts are the timing belt as well.
It is very easy to tell if it is the timing belt. Just turn the car over while looking at the cam behind the timing belt cover at the front of the valve cover. It should, of course, turn while turning the vehicle over. Maybe the mechanic hadn't had a chance to look at the vehicle yet.... Most mechanics these days are afraid of committing themselfs to what is wrong... sometimes it isn't what they think it is and they look bad.... some things are harder to diagnose then others...
Since all gas engines need spark, fuel, and compression to run, the logical first step is to determine if spark or fuel is lacking. I highly doubt compression is an issue. As noted, the timing belt should be fairly easy to inspect for breakage.
Last edited by CowboyBilly9Mile; Apr 29, 2004 at 12:12 PM.
Since all gas engines need spark, fuel, and compression to run, the logical first step is to determine if spark or fuel is lacking. I highly doubt compression is an issue. As noted, the timing belt should be fairly easy to inspect for breakage.
It's easier to check for a known problem based on experience. I could start talking physics too but I do that at work.
Latest update: $670 for timing belt, tensioner, water pump, and thermostat; $20 for the case of beer I will be purchasing to help me deal with the amount of money I just spent. Thanks again for your replies, I actually learned a few things today!
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