Resolved 1G just died on the way home. Won't start back up

[NAT01]

Well, this is the story. I was driving home, about 3 miles from home actually on the highway. I was speeding (100 mph). I went to hit the gas, the turbo started to spool, and once I was accelerating again, the car seemed to stutter a little. Then all of a sudden it just shut off. I turned everything off and coasted into the rest stop, which was about 2 1/2 miles from home. I wait a few minutes wondering what has happened, and then turn the key. The engine cranks, but it sounds as if there is no compression.

The timing belt is turning and the cams are turning, but when I let off the key, the engine sort of "spins" itself down. Would this happen to be a fuel problem? Could I perhaps have blown a fuse or something (MPI)? I'm also leaning towards the ECU perhaps? When I turn the key to start the car, but do not push the clutch in, I get a semi loud single click from the ECU. Is this normal?

I had it towed to my local mechanic, just in case it was something stupid, and to keep the car at a place I know it will be safe at. What are the normal things to look at before trying to get too far into this type of problem? I'm going to check to make sure all of the IC pipes are on, and that the spark plugs are ok. I've also heard things like replacing the coil pack, but are these parts inexpensive? Is there any way to test these fuel/electronic components? I looked at the timing belt, and it seemed to be in good shape. No play or anything. It was just replaced 5000 miles ago. Should I try and take the lower cover off of it and check to make sure the balancer is ok? It not hard to take the lower cover off, correct?

Thanks for any help guys. This one has me stumped.

 

[BUCK]

This one sure as hell won't "stump" anybody else... You've Jumped Time - hence No Compression - Hence the "spin down" as your starter "free wheels" under "no load".

Did you replace all the Front Case Oil Seals while you were in there 5K ago?

Delete the Balance Shafts?

Replace the Timing Belt Tensioner & Pulleys?

Replace the Harmonic Balancer?

& the Lower Timing Belt Cover is a TOTAL PITA BTW...

 

[NAT01]

"This one sure as hell won't "stump" anybody else... You've Jumped Time - hence No Compression - Hence the "spin down" as your starter "free wheels" under "no load". "

Would I be able to look down in the spark plug holes to see any sort of damage? It seems like the engine turns over really easy. Any other way to check for damage except to pull the head? Should I do a compression check and see what I get? It is possible though to pull the lower timing cover off? Thanks

Did you replace all the Front Case Oil Seals while you were in there 5K ago?
- Not sure, work was done by former owner

Delete the Balance Shafts?
- As far as I know, they are there, because they replaced the belt

Replace the Timing Belt Tensioner & Pulleys?
- Not sure, but I was told they were in good working condition, but I will ask

Replace the Harmonic Balancer?
- I will ask

So I basically have to pull the head then? To see the damage?

 

[BUCK]

No - with a Mag lite focused down fine you can illuminate the combustion chamber & I could see my dings in my pistons - Don't worry about bumping it over to see the different piston tops because the damage is done.

Just pull the upper cover & check the Cam Pulley Marks - even if they are good then check #1 at TDC by pulling a plug or looking at the Timing Marks - The Lower Cover is a bi***, although you'll be pulling that & the Head & much-much more before it runs again...

I've been there dude - Just do yourself a favor & do it right when you go in there this time - delete the B/S, replace Water Pump & all the other stuff I asked about - Good Luck...

 

[NAT01]

Would the virtual/manual CD for the DSM's be my greatest step-by-step helper in doing the timing belt installation?

*edit* - I also checked the top area of the timing belt. Everything was lined up and there were no missing teeth. I was gonna do a compression test but didn't have a deep enough socket to get the spark plugs out. I will try again later and keep this updated.

 

[NAT01]

Crap, to think this was almost two years ago. After all this time I've "grown up" a lot when it comes to these cars. I also wanted to give an update. Found out what was wrong with the car when I pulled the head off. The one line(vacuum line) for the FPR had a slit in it. This is what ultimately caused its death. The #1 piston was demolished from lack of fuel(running lean). I've got a newly stock rebuilt motor in it now. Also a 4-bolt that's got to go in. A few other mods, nothing too special. I hope to get her back up and running by the middle of the summer. Hard to find the time, that's all. Hope everyone else will be ok for the beginning of the season. It'll be here before you know it!

-Chris