pat30327

Hey guys,

I've searched the forums and haven't found any information on my issue, so here it is.

Was driving down the road at about 60 mph, and the truck just died, dropped to 0 RPMS and the check engine light and batt light came on. I pulled over to the side of the road and tried to start. The engine turns over but doesn't attempt to start at all. I sat there for about an hour and a half with the headlights on, flashers on, and the batt gauge stayed fine

Now the bad part (so I was told). I towed the truck back and had a friend in my vehicle and drove his. He engaged the gears (3rd) while being towed because he thought he'd try to pop start it... The rpm meter registered nothing, but the alternator was obviously working because it was night time, and the lights brightened up real quick.

I was told my timing belt\chain could have gone, but no one has a "clear" idea of what it could be.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

abecedarian

Guessing you have the 3.0 v6?

Remove the distributor cap and have someone crank the engine while you watch the rotor- if the rotor doesn't spin, likely it's the timing belt.

pat30327

Yeah that was the plan after work today, if it is the timing belt, would him disengaging the clutch while in gear durring the tow have possibly been detrimental to the engine?

CaptJohn

As far as I know, these are non interference engines, meaning the piston will not hit a valve when in the down position. This is what Ive been told. Pulling the dist cap is the quickest way to tell if the belt broke, it likely jumped a bunch of teeth. Bring your engine up on TDC # 1 and see where the rotor button is pointing, and check the marks on the front pulley...

pat30327

Yeah Ive been searching around the forums more and Ive seen that a lot, hopefully its accurate. Thanks again for the quick repsonses guys, appreciate it!

abecedarian

Correct. The 3vze is a non-interference engine so no damage would be done.

Something else to look at- fuses.