Engine is a 3.4 (96 ?) I did not have real long to look at this yet!!

But from a quick look it seems the key or bolt has come loose or sheared off allowing the engine to crank but if the cam is not turning the timing is now so far off it won`t start of course.

I tried to search but it came back no results .

This is the only thing I can think might have happened.

The starter does crank not like when it does not engage the ring gear or broken starter drive.

I had thought I read about this but of course can`t find the threads for looking.

Is this a common problem for some reason with this engine?? Has there been a fix or upgrade to solve this issue??

Thanks

 

Not a normal problem with any engine, seems to me.
Something just broke.

You are certain that both cams are not moving?
Could be just a broken belt, or like you suggested,
the key or crank bolt sheared off.

Regardless, you'll have to tear into it to figure it out.

good luck

 

Sounds like the timing belt broke, the key sheared off, or the crank bolt is loose allowing the crank gear to walk way forward.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/c...es-off-223084/

 

Like I said didn`t really have time to check pulled the front cover off .

Enough to look if the belt broke it should be loose . Besides the engine was running it did not stop by itself.

It is now no longer critical as the owner has bought a Ford F250 and said the Toyota can become a flower planter as far as she cares.