Question:My engine quit running and won't start. It
cranks normally, but just won't go. What's wrong?
Answer:You may have an ignition, fuel delivery or compression
problem.
1. Check for spark first. If there's no spark, you may have
a failed ignition module, ignition pickup, ignition coil or open
in the ignition circuit (bad ignition switch or neutral safety
switch).
2. If you have spark, check for fuel. On carbureted engines,
remove the air cleaner, hold the choke open, look down the carburetor
throat and work the throttle linkage. If you don't see any fuel
squirting into the carburetor, the problem may be a stuck needle
inlet valve in the carburetor, a bad fuel pump, a plugged fuel
filter, a plugged or frozen fuel line, an obstructed fuel tank
pickup screen, or no fuel (or water contaminated fuel) in your
tank.
3. If you have spark and fuel, your timing chain or belt
may have broken or slipped. If your engine has a distributor,
remove the distributor cap and see if the rotor turns when the
engine is cranked. No movement would tell you the timing belt
or chain (or possibly the cam itself) is broken. Another alternative
is to remove the valve cover to see if the valves are opening
and closing. This too will show you if the cam drive or cam is
broken.
If a cam belt or chain has "slipped a tooth," throwing
valve timing off, the valves will still open and close, and the
rotor inside the distributor will still turn. But the engine
won't develop enough compression to start. A compression check
can help you find this kind of problem.
