When I started it this morning it ran for half a second, then died. Now it turns over, but instead of bouncing and trying to start like normal (buh-buh-buh-BAH-buh-buh-buh-BAH), it has this monotonous drone when I crank it, like there's no combustion taking place at all.

I smell fuel after cranking it, I can hear the fuel pump prime when I turn the key. Replaced the ignition coil just cause I had a new one lying around. I did the screwdriver in the plug wire thing and the spark looked strong.

So now I'm wondering if maybe the timing belt skipped a tooth when it did that first start-die thing. Didn't hear any horrible sounds when it happened but.......

Help a motor n00b out. I've never checked/adjusted timing before. I'll need a timing light - will any timing light work? Also fuel pressure gauge - again, will any gauge hook up? I just want to have everything I'll need before I head home and tackle this. And if you have suggestions about my problem please chime in.

 

No codes either

 

seems like a lot of people main relays are going out now, check yours, sounds like it could be the culprit

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Brownjd &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">seems like a lot of people main relays are going out now, check yours, sounds like it could be the culprit</TD></TR></TABLE>
Would my fuel pump come on if it was bad?

 

no. the fuel main relay frequently goes bad in our cars and they won't start.
you can check it by turning the key to the on position and listen for a click when the check engine light goes out. it should come from under the dash all the way on the left. you should also hear your fuel pump prime. if you don't hear anything then your main relay is shot. sometimes you can keep turning the key until it works and then start the car to get where you have to go.

 

Thanks for the reply. I guess the relay is good then, the pump definitely kicks on when I turn the key......any other ideas?

 

well, it's not likely that the timing belt just skipped a tooth (i assume the car was running fine before this?) so check all your grounds next

 

Grounds, good idea! I searched and read that there are 4 grounds to the motor. The only one I know for sure is on the valve cover......anyone fill me in on the others?