88' Toyota Corolla Died :(

May 17, 2004

1st, a bit of history: 3 months ago, my toyota (1988 corolla fx) was bucking and hesitating a bit while driving. I took it in and, among other things, had a major tune up, and fuel line fixed. Since then, running fine!

I don't know if this is related but: Fast forward to last night. I'm driving out of the parking lot, onto the street, probably going about 20 or so mph, and all of a sudden my car just dies on me. :( I dont know what it feels like to run out of gas but I imagine it would feel like that. Just no longer running. I pulled over, tried to restart it. Nothing. :( I got it towed home and have to wait a few days to take it to the mechanic down the street. Meanwhile am worried sick so that's why I am here. Hoping maybe someone here can help me figure out what it may possibly be. The tow truck guy said it sounded like my timing chain broke. I hope not! Mostly because I worry that I did damage to my engine. :( I don't know if my car's engine has the type of clearance where it wouldnt do damage if the belt/chain broke. Anyone here know? I hope it's ok! I didnt hear ANY noise. Just stopped running. Does it have to mean the timing chain/belt? Arent there other things that it could be? And, my other question would be: wouldnt it have made some kind of noise if my timing chain/belt broke and damaged any engine parts? Wouldnt I hear knocking or some kind of odd sounds?

Thanks for any insight you can lend me. :)

May 17, 2004

you'll be fine the 4age is a non-interferance engine.

When you say it's dead do you mean it wont turn over on the key or does it just whirr over and over without fire up ?

May 17, 2004

thanks for replying! What about "4 ac" engine? Because I think that is what I have. "By dead, I mean it doesnt fire up. Just cranks away. Also, I checked my reciept (for the work done on it 3 months ago) and I did get a new fuel pump. So I guess I can rule that out unless it's a mal-function. I notice I didnt smell gas any of the times I tried to start it. I dont know if that necessarily means anything but I would think I'd smell gas from my trying to start it. Unless it's not getting fed any gas.

May 17, 2004

hi lisa

have you check if you are getting any sparks ?

right take one spark plug out then put it close to the rocket cover almost touching(DONT NOT USE YOUR HAND TO HOLD IT IN PLACE)with the ignition lead on it go turn the the key start the engine

ask someone to see if you are getting any sparks

if you think is petrol take one spark plug out can you small tiny amount of petrol if you not sure if there is any petrol there

go turn the key one click then pump the gas pedel flood the engine then crank the engine a few time

once again take a spark plug out

can you see or smell loads of petrol on the spark plug if you can

then i dont think is anything to do with fuel side

if timing belt broke you wont hear any kind of knocking noise and but you'll never get it start untill is fixed properly

May 17, 2004

Ok, I found something online, about my particular make and model of Toyota that is a relief:

this is from: http://www.mr2.com/TEXT/toyotafaq.txt

SECTION 4.0: ENGINE AND RELATED SYSTEMS

4.1: Timing belt / chain maintenance

4.11: What if your belt or chain breaks?

"At the time of this writing, all timing BELT driven gasoline Toyota

engines are freewheeling or non-interference. This means that if your

timing belt were to break, your engine would not suffer damage. When it

breaks, you WILL be stranded and have to have the car towed to a repair

shop. Most Toyota diesel engines and chain-driven engines are

"interference". When your chain breaks, the valves will bend and you

will be looking at a huge repair bill."

I looked up some parts online and was relieved to find my year and model uses a timing belt and not a chain. So, it's definitely a "belt-driven" engine, and not chain-driven. I know it'll still be expensive to replace the belt but it had to be anyway at some point, and is better than thinking my engine is fried!

As for checking the plugs and all... I think I better have the mechanics check it. I am mainly just trying to get insight into what the problem may be. I was worried sick and have to wait till tuesday for the mechanic to be open. The above FAQ text helped alot though.

May 17, 2004

you'll be fine the 4age is a non-interferance engine.
When you say it's dead do you mean it wont turn over on the key or does it just whirr over and over without fire up ?

I didn't know that!!

Every day's a school day!!

That's one less thing to worry about now though, even though I had mine changed about a year ago (30,000 miles ago). In case your wondering, I do alot of miles in my GTI, and it's the most reliable car i've ever had!! :thumbsup: