Engine power cut suddenly and now wont start

Tiny
KDODZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 MITSUBISHI LANCER
  • 306,000 MILES
As I was driving along all of a sudden the engine rpm dropped from a normal 3000rpm too 0rpm. It happened very suddendly and the car made no sound it just lost power completely. I pulled over 2the side of the road and tried to start it. When I tried to restart it the starting was making a diffetent noise like the whole starter process was going faster and engine wasnt even trying too start. When I tried to start it again I had it in gear accidently and the car lurched forwards so it definatly turning the engine over. The only signs of potential failure it was showing before this was not very smooth acceleration, like it wud dip a little bit in power up the rev range. Any advice wud be greatly appreciated, thankyou
Sunday, November 20th, 2011 AT 9:49 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
Probably a timing belt issue.
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Sunday, November 20th, 2011 AT 9:57 PM
Tiny
KDODZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
No I actually just thought its had a similar issue before and it was due to a clogged fuel filter and it has been run out of gas a few times so possibly this has blocked it again as it was not running as though the engine timing was off, either that the fuel pump was on its last legs and just decided 2give up.
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Sunday, November 20th, 2011 AT 10:06 PM
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
If it seems as though the engine is spinning faster while trying to start it, that typically means compression isn't being built properly in the cylinders. That can be caused by a variety of things, but is usually a slipped or broken timing belt. In this case, it sounds like a broken timing belt.

Loosen the timing belt cover. Pull it away from the head and have someone turn the key over to start. See if the cam gear is turning. My guess is it isn't.
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Sunday, November 20th, 2011 AT 10:38 PM

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