Engine power cut suddenly and now wont start

1990 MITSUBISHI LANCER
306,000 MILES
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KDODZ
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As i was driving along all of a sudden the engine rpm dropped from a normal 3000rpm too 0rpm. it happened very suddendly and the car made no sound it just lost power completely. I pulled over 2the side of the road and tried to start it. When i tried to restart it the starting was making a diffetent noise like the whole starter process was going faster and engine wasnt even trying too start. When i tried to start it again i had it in gear accidently and the car lurched forwards so it definatly turning the engine over. The only signs of potential failure it was showing before this was not very smooth acceleration, like it wud dip a little bit in power up the rev range. any advice wud be greatly appreciated, thankyou
Nov 20, 2011 at 9:49 PM
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RIVERMIKERAT
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Probably a timing belt issue.
Nov 20, 2011 at 9:57 PM
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KDODZ
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No i actually just thought its had a similar issue before and it was due to a clogged fuel filter and it has been run out of gas a few times so possibly this has blocked it again as it was not running as though the engine timing was off, either that the fuel pump was on its last legs and just decided 2give up.
Nov 20, 2011 at 10:06 PM
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RIVERMIKERAT
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If it seems as though the engine is spinning faster while trying to start it, that typically means compression isn't being built properly in the cylinders. That can be caused by a variety of things, but is usually a slipped or broken timing belt. In this case, it sounds like a broken timing belt.

Loosen the timing belt cover. Pull it away from the head and have someone turn the key over to start. See if the cam gear is turning. My guess is it isn't.
Nov 20, 2011 at 10:38 PM
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