2G 1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse GST, no compression.

[SRK]

Hello, newbie here. Any guidance is greatly appreciated. Have 1998 Mitshubishi Eclipse GST, bought new, original owner. Engine with apprx. 135k miles on it. Sent for timing belt change, 2 months ago. Last week, car simply would not start. Turns over, there is power, but won't ignite, just hear the starter. I took it to closest mechanic, and reports there is fuel, there is spark, but no compression.

He laid out options of trying to take engine apart, and find reason, but costs would be considerable. Have now accepted that a new engine would be best way to go, and allow me to keep my car. My question (newbie), is can I find a new engine? 4g63t, or will they all be rebuilt? Also, is there a vendor anyone can recommend? Thanks.

 

[breaksdaily]

Did he perform a leak down test? That will roughly show were your losing compression (most likely valves.)

 

[SRK]

Did not specifically ask, but will check, I presume this test will cost something? Thanks, will find out.

 

[SNAKE_15]

Did not specifically ask, but will check, I presume this test will cost something? Thanks, will find out.

Rent a compression tester from your local auto parts store and see for yourself what your compression is. If you lost compression then use a leak down tester and see where you're losing it. As for a rebuild, depends on the condition of your motor after you pull it out and inspect it. Could be just a bad head/valves that needs replacement.

 

[pauleyman]

Given your story did anybody check timing? My guess is mechanic screwed up, timing skipped and bent valves.

 

[SRK]

Given your story did anybody check timing? My guess is mechanic screwed up, timing skipped and bent valves.

That's whay my concern was, but would it have ran well for 2 months, then crump? It was running smooth, then suddenly started noted rough idle, and then no start. Thanks for advice guys, actively communicating with the mechanic. Just got it towed, and AAA won't cover the body kit. Will post a pic, thx, again.

 

[jared_gibbs]

Mine did exactly that, idler pulley had spun off and the rough idle was probably right when it was on the verge of falling completely off. You MUST replace the timing components with OEM parts or they will fail. For whatever reason all the aftermarket kits are complete garbage and that really sucks because of how costly it is to repair when it blows up. Another thing that causes premature failing of a freshly done timing belt job is not setting the tension correctly on the hydraulic tensioner; either the extension of the arm is out of spec or the tensioner was compressed to quickly blowing the seals. Vfaq.com has an awesome timing belt write up, I'd suggest giving that a once-over just so you're familiar with the procedure. Hth

 

[pauleyman]

That's whay my concern was, but would it have ran well for 2 months, then crump? It was running smooth, then suddenly started noted rough idle, and then no start. Thanks for advice guys, actively communicating with the mechanic. Just got it towed, and AAA won't cover the body kit. Will post a pic, thx, again.

yes. if mechanic set tension Incorrectly it could do exactly that. there are so many tutorials on this job because so many screw it up, including and possibly especially "professionals".

 

[asexton6969]

Before anyone jumps on the "professional" you need to know what happened. Checking the timing belt is of course a requirement. If timing jumped, valves are most likely bent which a leak down test would determine (if timing is set correctly). Keep in mind, if timing is off you still need to tear down the timing side to see what fail/happened. When you had the timing belt replaced, did you elect to replace the hydraulic tensioner, pulleys, balance shaft belt, etc.

 

[zedicus]

honestly if you are going to own a DSM you should probably be ready to start working on things yourself. these cars are old and i have seen very few that have not been abused. we will not even start a conversation about trying to find a shop in the U.S. that can work on these cars.

ask on here and if someone is close to you normally they might be willing to have a look and give you some guiding advice.