My car just died, i need HELP!

[valley30]

I searched trying to find an answer, but couldnt figure it out.

I was driving to work this morning and went to pass a semi when my car just died. I coasted over to the shoulder and tried to start it but it sounded like my starter wasnt hooking up with the flywheel and just kept spinning. I put it in gear, cranked it over and the car moved forward for a second. So the starter is obviously working.

I was thinking its my timing belt. What would it be?

Also are m20's non-interference motors?

[wagonizzle]

It could very well be your timing belt. The recommended change interval is 50k or 4 years, whichever comes first. Your engine is very much an interference engine and all the cranking you did probably didn't help if it was indeed the belt. Luckily used engines can be found for ~$500. Good luck...

[jlevie]

If the belt broke while the car was being driven it is virtually a certainty that there is one (or more) bent valves. A quick check for that is to look in the oil filler hole while the engine is being cranked over. If the cam isn't turning, the belt failed.

If that is what's happened, I'd immediately pull the head as there's little chance of not having a bent valve.

If the belt is still ok, check for spark and normal fuel pressure while cranking. No spark or fuel could be a failed timing reference sensor, no power to the DME (bad main relay), or the DME (rarely, but possible). Spark but no fuel could be a failed fuel pump or pump relay.