2000 Chevrolet Cavalier Cranks No Start Fix

CHEVROLET CAVALIER
Avatar
RTROUP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I just replaced the engine in my 2000 Z24 and it ran fine for 2 days and then all of a sudden it just died on me on the high way. It just shut off with no signs of any problems. I tried to start it back up and it just cranks and cranks with out starting. Anyone have any ideas what to check? Some one told me maybe the crankshaft position sensor??
Mar 9, 2007 at 3:32 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
BOOTDOG
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 665 POSTS
that is possible, but that might not be the problem. it's possible that the fuel pump went out. tap on the bottom of the fuel tank while someone else crank the engine over and see if the vehicle starts. i would start there first, then we can try something else.
Mar 9, 2007 at 8:04 AM
Avatar
RTROUP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I checked the fuel pump and that is definitely working. When I turn the key on I hear the pump run for a few seconds. I tried replacing the spark plugs no help. Any more ideas where to check?
Mar 11, 2007 at 11:56 PM
Avatar
BOOTDOG
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 665 POSTS
does it sound like the motor has compression? i'm thinking maybe the timing belt broke. open up the oil fill cap and shine a light in it so you can see the cam pulley or the rocker arms. have someone crank the motor over while you look. do the rocker arms move up and down? if there is no movement then the timing belt broke. let me know and we'll move on
Mar 12, 2007 at 7:24 AM
Avatar
RTROUP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
when you shine the light down the oil cap you can't see anything. The way the cap is you can't see anything but metal. There is a small taping noise coming from the timing belt cover
Mar 12, 2007 at 8:32 AM
Avatar
BOOTDOG
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 665 POSTS
ok , does the motor sound like it has compression when turning over? i can't explain the sound over the keyboard. but if it sounds like there's no compression, then the timing belt broke. you need to find this out. i will look into asking the administrators here on sound clips for users here on this forum.
Mar 12, 2007 at 9:59 AM
Avatar
RTROUP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I don't think it sounds like a normal engine cranking so I am gonna guess no it don't sound like it has compression. If the timing chain breaks do I just have to replace the timing chain or do should I replace the cam gears and everything else inside the timing chain cover? Is there anything I can do to prevent this from happening again like a better chain or anything like that?
Mar 13, 2007 at 2:01 AM
Avatar
BOOTDOG
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 665 POSTS
i'm glad you have an understanding on it not sounding right. have the belt replaced and you should be good to go. on the vehicle you have just the timing belt replacement would be all you need. let us know if we can assist you again.
Mar 13, 2007 at 6:35 AM
Avatar
RTROUP
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Last night I threw a new timing chain on it and checked all the cam gears and everything looked good so I didn't replace anything except the chain. Started right up and sounds great. Thanks for the help
Mar 14, 2007 at 2:07 AM
Avatar
BOOTDOG
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 665 POSTS
thanks for letting us help. let us know how we can assist you in the future.
Mar 14, 2007 at 10:04 AM

Suggested Repair

Confirm the engine has compression and that the cam or rocker arms move while cranking. If there is no movement, replace the broken timing belt or chain; the expert said belt replacement alone should be enough, and replacing the chain restored starting.

Conversation Summary

A 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 died suddenly on the highway and then only cranked after a recent engine replacement. The fuel pump primed and new spark plugs did not help. The expert suspected a broken timing belt because the engine did not sound like it had compression. The owner replaced the timing chain, left the cam gears in place, and the engine started and ran normally.

Related Repair Questions

Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle