1988 Oldsmobile No-Start Timing Issue

1988 OLDSMOBILE
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SCOLLINS692001
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
engine 3.8
cranks but will not start has fuel has spark i belive its timing related cranks like theres no compression blowes smoke out of the throtel body!!! if it is timing could i just replace chaim and spokets or do i have to worry about valves too?

any advice would be gratfull
Dec 11, 2006 at 2:44 PM
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BACKYARDMECHANIC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 337 POSTS
I think you are right to think its the timing chain. The valves may have been damage but you won't know untill you fix the chain. Check with your local dealer and ask if that motor is a interference motor, which means the valves can strike the pistions if the timing is not correct. However if the chain did not let go while you were driving then there is a chance (even on interference motors) you may not have damaged the valves. Good luck Backyardmechanic :(
Dec 12, 2006 at 12:56 AM
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Suggested Repair

Suspect a failed timing chain. Ask a dealer whether this 3.8 is an interference engine, then replace the timing chain and sprockets. Valve damage cannot be confirmed until the chain is repaired; if it did not fail while driving, the valves may still be intact.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1988 Oldsmobile with a 3.8 engine says it cranks but will not start despite having fuel and spark, and that it blows smoke from the throttle body as if it has no compression. The owner suspects timing and asks whether replacing the chain and sprockets is enough or whether the valves may also be damaged. The expert agrees the timing chain is the likely cause and recommends asking a dealer if the engine is an interference design. Valve damage cannot be known until the chain is fixed, though the valves may be undamaged if the chain did not fail while driving.

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