1994 Celica 1.8L Died instantly while driving... Timing belt?

[hillbillybaja]

Hello all, I'm new here, and I'd ike to start off by saying thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

Now, for my problem. I was driving down the road, and it was running just fine. I've never had a problem with it. Then, all of a sudden, i heard what sounded like a short squeal (kind of like a belt) and the engine just stopped. No, sputtering or anything, just stopped. I went to turn it over, and it turned over erratically...quick, then slow, then quick, then slow... almost like the timing was out.

Finally got it back to my house, and the only thing i could think was that the timing belt had jumped or snapped. and, since it showed to be 10K miles overdue for a change, I figured i might as well either way

ripped the valve cover off, then the top timing cover. I could slide the belt back and forth on its gear very easily... not sure if thats normal? Well, I cut the belt so i could get it out right away to inspect it... The belt looked to be in good condition, no cracks, missing teeth, etc etc... But could it still be loose? or could the tensioner have gone bad and made it jump time? The tensioner is being replaced anyway, but just wanted to see if you guys thought this could be a timing belt issue...

Also, does anyone have pics of which timing marks to use on the gears? Or know where to find them? Ive searched like crazy, but cant find them anywhere

its a 1994 Toyota Celica 1.8L DOHC Auto.

Thanks in advance, and sorry for such a lengthy post!

Rob

[christine_lives!]

When you say you could slide the belt back and forth; was that the very top gear (camshaft gear) or on the middle right (water pump)? And by slide, I assume you mean on and off, like away and toward the engine. Not back and forth around the top gear easily rotating the cams.

If it slid off the top gear easily that sounds like a bad tensioner. Did the spring snap or come off? Is their a peg with a notch still in there for the spring?

The timing belt doesnt squeal because of its teeth unless the bearings in one of the pulleys go out. If that were the tensioner, then it would make sense that the belt were loose.