ok well my car died about a week ago on the way to work....i figured out it was due to old gas(not water not oil i checked) so got it towed to my place...next day put in ~4gallons higher (91 premium) octane and a thing of octane booster....still nothing so swap in new fuel filter, at this time tried to start to ensure the fuel pump was operating, it squirted fuel. from starting (or attempting to) the battery died (free replacement, dead cell) put that in and cleaned the battery terminals so thats not the issue....and still nothing. when i try and start it now it wont start the plugs and wires are good....tested to see if it arcs from plug to wire so not that. but when try to start it if you hold the pedal to the floor then it almost starts to start rpms jump to ~500 or so and then drops to zero up and down every so often....what do you guys think????

 

Timing belt broken? Timing jumped?

 

I would second that notion--what are the miles on it?

 

its at ~80k replaced around 65k-70k so i dont think that'd be it

 

Well i would go back to the basics

Gas, Spark and Compression-- give those a shot and if it doesnt work---

WAIT--was the Balancer bolt Tightend to 213 ft lbs. Check to see if that bolt is loose. Same thing happend to me in traffic in VEGAS--AT A STOP LIGHT ON THE STRIP--RUSH HOUR

If everything above is ok--I would check the belt and go from there.

 

toyota did the work so i'm not sure....and gas, yes it smells like gas in the engine compartment if u try and start it checked the spark and it's sparkin and i'm not sure how i'd check compression.....

 

I know you said spark was good but are the plugs gas fouled when you pull them?

Copression test? Napa or similar sell the tools to do it! Its real easy!

 

If there is gas then and you are getting the "squirt"--it sounds like you have a timing/compression problem. I.e....the spark is coming after or before the valves (Timing) open so there is no compression in the cylinder.

****Still check that bolt*****

Even with all the electronics we have on new cars you have to start at the basics.

Another pointer is not to continually crank on the starter--if you dont have the beginnings of ignition then something is probably wrong--and i dont think you want to add a burned up starter to the equation.

 

everyone i have talked to now thinks it is the fuel pump....what do you all think??

 

Try beating against the side of the fuel tank with a mallet while someone cranks it over. If it starts after beating them. It is your pump.

 

Didn't you say you smell, meaning it's flooded?

X2 on the mallet to check it though.

My dad's pump went out on his dodge a while back, and he drove it to the shop (half mile or so) with his buddy running along side beating the tank w/ a shovel.

 

Spray Ether in the INtake while cranking to check for Spark. If it tries to start you have spark.

 

now when i try and start it it puts out white smoke, so water in the fuel, correct?