I have a 03 Lancer ES. The timing belt gave out and I was able to replace it. However, now the car wont start.It turns and sounds like it wants to but it doesnt. It almost sounds like if it isnt getting gas. I know there isnt a problem with the fuel delivery. Could the timing be wrong? I was having trouble getting the Cam gear right on the timing mark. It fell just short. If I tried to turn it more, the cam would go way past it on its own. Could it just be the timing?Whats the possibilty of something else being damaged. Everything sounds ok when Im trying to start it.

 

Anyone?

 

bent valves , or the timing is off this is an interference engine so you snap a belt at at any rpm the valves kiss the pistons and the head is likely done...

on the timing belt did you tension the front side of the belt? I replaced mine on my personal car after doing hundreds of customer cars at mitsu and I checked it 6 times even after it was together , it seemed like the cam tooth was 1/2 tooth off once it stretched out it was dead on I used a gates racing belt probably needed to wear in a bit ...Look for the lancer fsm's on here posted by senate and follow the timing replacement exactly

 

How likely is it that the head or valves are damaged? The belt didnt snap but the teeth were worn off. I was driving when it happened.

 

you can almost 98% count on the fact the head is damaged , it isnt the valves hitting the pistons its the pistons slamming into the valves , your gonna need a head

 

I don't know if it makes a difference but the timing belt didn't snap. It wore out through some of the teeth. That means the crank stopped first. I did coast for a while before I stopped. But do you think it still caused damage? I'm not 100% sure we did the timing correctly. I have to go back and double check everything.

 

Doesn't matter how or when the belt breaks. I don't care if you're idling in a parking lot or driving 75mph down the highway, the liklihood of bending valves is the same (about 95% i would guess). LOL I hear people say it all time "If the belt breaks when the engine isn't turning very fast you might be alright"-- This makes no sense and I laugh every time I hear it. The valves drop down into the cylinder just as far at 10 RPMS as at 6700.

Pull the head off and replace the valves, and next time don't be cheap and try to put off needed maintenance!

 

I guess I'll have to take it to a shop. Any estimates on the cost?

 

The crank will never stop first. Remember the crank is what is turning the cam so as soon as the belt snaps or in your case the teeth shear off that cam stops instantly and (if your a manual trans) the crank will spin as longs as your moving and in gear. Not quite sure on the auto but you can be sure the crank spun longer than the cam did. Doesnt sound good man I have done lots of timing belts and have only had one interference engine that broke and was lucky enough to not damage anything.

 

I'm just gonna go ahead and pick up an engine. I'm gonna have to go with a used one right now. I don't have the money for new. Any good places to pick one up?

 

Actually the likelihood is 98% some people get lucky (or so they think they are) but just because it runs doesnt mean the valves arent damaged , think of valve float or misadjusted v-8 rockers just because the valve doesnt close all the way doesnt mean the engine still wont run it just wont run right ...

but I just do a head no matter what or I wont take the job on an interference engine ...

check www.car-part.com keep in mind the 4g93 head will work as well if you change the cam sensor components from your old head to the new