86 died while driving... - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

chevee2 · 04-22-2011, 07:37 PM

...on a Monday on my way into work. I had driven about 15-20 of the 50+ mile commute when it happened. No strange noises or anything; engine just stopped running. It is a 5-speed, so I put in the clutch and tried to restart. It cranked like a champ, but would not start. I pulled her over to the shoulder and popped the hood. I saw nothing strange, no smoke, no leaks, no smells, etc. Called AAA to tow it back home to a shop to get it checked out.

Next day they call and say that "the best they can tell without tearing it down further is that the timing belt broke" -gonna charge almost $800 to fix it! Oh, but it included the water pump. CRIPES!!

They let AAA tow it back to my house, "repairs exceed value of vehicle clause", so I could check it out and do the work in my spare time. The body is not all rusted out yet, and I don't just want to scrap it out.

SO, it is in my garage now. I bought a timing belt kit with WP for under $100. Old timing belt was NOT broken, but it was worn badly on the outer edge and had worn a groove thru the timing cover. There was a lot of black dust inside, but belt tension was still good.

I was able to get to it today - not too bad so far. I got it torn apart and took off the old timing belt and in my haste, did not mark positions of anything. (I know, but I have the instructions to get it set for the new belt.) I have not removed the water pump, yet, but I got to thinking....

If the belt was NOT broken, would the engine just quit like it did? If it jumped a tooth, wouldn't it still run but not well? In my Chilton's manual, in the "Engine cranks but won't start" section, it does not list "broken timing belt" as a possible cause. It lists mostly fuel-related causes.
The timing belt, water pump, and plastic covers need replacing anyway, but did the shop miss something? BTW, they had left the key "on", so battery was/is dead.
I have not charged the battery yet to do any other diagnostics.

I just registered here today and after some prelim searches, it appears this is THE place where I can get some answers! I just want to get this back on the road! I need to get a new timing cover coming.
(Probably unrelated, but the cruise control was working up until about a week or two before this happened.)

Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

Mike Gerber · 04-23-2011, 05:36 PM

If the timing belt didn't break or slip, I would also think of a fuel related problem. Here's a quick way I would check if you get the timing belt back on and aligned properly, and it still doesn't start. Charge up the battery. Remove the large tube leading to the throttle body. Spray come carb cleaner in to the throttle body and try to start the engine. If the car now at least sputters where it did nothing before you have confirmed you have a fuel delivery problem. If so, the next thing would be to check fuel pressure. You will need some fittings and a fuel pressure gage to tap in to the fuel rail to test fuel pressure.

Mike

chevee2 · 04-24-2011, 12:32 AM

Well, I got the timing belt on today and charged the battery and ... VROOM!! So, even though the belt didn't break, it seems it really was the belt that failed (somehow?) It may have jumped a tooth?, but whatever. My first timing belt replacement experience wasn't all that bad. I am glad I got the water pump in the kit, too because the bearings are shot on it. I think that may be what actually allowed the belt to start "walking off" the pulley and rub against and eventually through the timing cover.

The point is that it is alive! I am also fixing a loud exhaust and changing inner and outer tie rod ends. Before I fully reassemble to drive it, I am trying to find a replacement timing cover. Any suggestions? I did a search and may have found one at yotayard.com, but would like to find something local. At least it is plastic and won't be rusted out here in the "salt belt".

Mike Gerber · 04-24-2011, 10:33 AM

"Well, I got the timing belt on today and charged the battery and ... VROOM!!"

Glad you got it running again. It seems the timing belt jumped more than a tooth. Off just one tooth, the car would run but lack power.

If you want to try an OEM Toyota part give Don Jacobs Toyota in Milwaukee a call and tell them you are an internet customer. They seem to have the best parts prices in the area on OEM Toyota parts. Their number is 800-920-8606. Ask for Kevin if you do call them.

Mike