Stupid cavalier! with a broken timing chain..

[DR]

So, my kid has this 97 cavalier with a 2.2. Today, she was driving it and she said it died. No noise, no bang... just died. (according to a 18 year old girl) Then, it wouldnt start. It cranks fine but it doesnt even attemot to start. Just spins.

So, I through the code reader on it and it gave the code for the cam sensor and the crank sensor. I sprayed starting fluid in it and cranked it to see if it was a fuel issue.. nothing. The sensors were failry cheap so I replaced them. Now, no codes, but it still doesnt start.

I dont believe its a fuel pump since I cant even get it to stutter with starting fluid. So whats next? Computer maybe??

 

[BoondocK5]

I've had 2 of those 2.2lt Cavaliers throw a Crankshaft Position Sensor.
Just intermittently shuts down...

It would take a month to tell you how to check it, and unless your a tech and own a $1000 miniscope from Snap-on. you won't be able t check it anyway.

 

[DR]

I replaced the crankshaft sensor and the cam sensor.. still doesn't start.

 

[jake 03]

Where it threw both a cam and a crank sensor code I would suspect a wiring issue. It's been a while since I worked on one but I believe they both share a common 5v reference circuit so I would start with a multimeter and check the wires to those sensors.

 

[Avery4jc]

My sister has an '01 Dodge 1/2 ton with the 5.9 and it did something similar when she first got it. Until I was driving it one day and it did it to me I had a hard time believing it.
It would randomly die and refuse to start, cranked fine but just wouldn't fire up.

I replaced a few parts before figuring out it was the Idle Air Control Valve. A fairly cheap little sensor that bolts to the side of the throttle body. I replaced it and it's never had another problem. The one that came off had a bunch of build up on it almost like a bad spark plug.

Anyways, not sure if your little 2.2 has something similar but it sounds like the same symptoms.

 

[DR]

Found the problem... EVen though it sounded fine while cranking, its the timing chain. ): Did a compression test and it had zero. Pulled the valve cover and no valve movement.. I dont see any breaks or extra oil leaks, so Im hoping there is no other damage. Has anyone done this job on this engine? Can it be done with the engine in? It looks pretty tight.

 

[black dawg]

done several, and the engine can stay in. I have seen lots of them jump time, but never broke a chain. The chain usually gets pretty ratty sounding before they jump.

 

[tRustyK5]

So those use a chain instead of a belt?

 

[DR]

Yea its a chain. I was shocked too, but I haven't driven it. Only taking my kids word for it. But it for sure all the way off. I cranked it with the valve cover off and didn't even get a wiggle. Since you have done this job, any tips or tricks?

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 2

 

[Jason4x4]

just make sure the crank is turning, i've seen someone rip into an engine only to find out the crank wasn't turning either. :doh:

 

[black dawg]

Yea its a chain. I was shocked too, but I haven't driven it. Only taking my kids word for it. But it for sure all the way off. I cranked it with the valve cover off and didn't even get a wiggle. Since you have done this job, any tips or tricks?

Sent from my Xoom using Tapatalk 2

It has been awhile since I did one, and dont have one here to look at, so I cant offer any help. I do remember it being a pretty easy job though.

 

[diesel4me]

I've seen one Cavalier 4cyl engine that had the cam snap near the timing chain sprocket before.........it must have got seized in the cam bearings?.....I'd look over the internals GOOD if the chain did break,chances are good it may not have just dropped clear into the sump when it broke--I've seen a few busted timing chains wind up around the crank sprocket and crack the block on a few engines at the junkyard...one my friend fixed had the crank gear split at the keyway and it spit the key into the oil pan.........I think depending on the year,the engine might have a nylon or fiber cam gear like the old straight sixes used,that failed often too...

 

[DR]

Thanks! All good info. I'm gonna tear in to it today with any luck. Ill post the results.