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Timing Chain? Cranks but won't start

Tiny
SRBZ
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  • 2001 TOYOTA RAV4
  • 12,000 MILES
2001 RAV4 2WD, manual trans, 150k miles.
Engine cranks at normal speed, but does not start or even catch a bit.
The cranking does not sound normal though. There is no mechanical sound, like scraping, rattling, or banging, but it sounds like the "breathing " is off and the cranking sound is a bit different.
I have had a timing chain go before on another vehicle, and I think it sounds similar, as far as the cranking.
Regarding possible engine damage, I've read it is an interference engine some places, and not on others. Is it? If so, does it trash the engine.
What else might it be?
Anything else to check?
If it is timing chain, about how much does it cost to replace at a shop (Anaheim, CA area if it matters)?

Regarding doing it myself, I have done timing chains before, but in looking at the instructions, the RAV4 looks like more work, involving removing oil pan, dropping exhaust, etc.
Any shortcuts you know of, or is it as described in the manuals?
Thanks
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Tuesday, May 28th, 2013 AT 11:50 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
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Forgot to add, does it set an error code I can check for?
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Tuesday, May 28th, 2013 AT 11:57 AM
Tiny
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Have you checked the compression and for spark yet?Which engine do you have?You could check for codes I would.
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Tuesday, May 28th, 2013 AT 12:34 PM
Tiny
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I checked it.
No error codes.
Engine is 1AZ-FE
I don't know the cylinder order, but looking in from the radiator, left to right, the compression measures are 50 psi, 35 psi, 45 psi, and 70 psi.

I also have my questions from original post too.

Thanks
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Wednesday, May 29th, 2013 AT 11:43 PM
Tiny
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From your compression readings looks like your timing belt jumped. What size engine do you have and what is your zip codes so I can answer your other questions.
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Thursday, May 30th, 2013 AT 6:42 AM
Tiny
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Engine is 2.0L
zip 92821

Thanks
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Thursday, May 30th, 2013 AT 9:16 AM
Tiny
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You have a timing chain on that engine I don't have the info for a price to replace it for that vechile.I will do some asking to see what I can come up with. Sounds like the chain jumped I don't see any warning of a interference fit when replacing the chain. Most engines are interference fit though.
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Thursday, May 30th, 2013 AT 12:41 PM
Tiny
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Hello?
Any luck in finding out?

Or anyone else who is familiar with RAV4s know about cost at a shop and difficulty in a DIY?

Thanks
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Friday, May 31st, 2013 AT 7:12 PM
Tiny
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Heres the timing marks for your car.I take that back I found in mention to off set the valves so you don't damage them while servicing the timing chain. Have you ever done anything like a timing chain job?
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Friday, May 31st, 2013 AT 9:40 PM
Tiny
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Thanks.

The interference question was regarding if the valves or pistons might have got damaged when the chain moved and changed the coordination of valves and pistons?

As I mentioned, I have done timing chains before (pretty much American V8s), but in looking at the instructions, the RAV4 looks like more work, involving removing oil pan, dropping exhaust, etc.
Any shortcuts you know of, or is it as described in the manuals?

I wanted to know what the cost of the job might be at a shop, to see if was worth trying to do myself?
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Friday, May 31st, 2013 AT 9:54 PM
Tiny
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I posted the removal the timing chain its pretty straight forward. Its a lot more intailed then a older single cam American v8 engine. To answer your question it all depends on how many teeth the chain may have jumped if any damage was done to the valves. Lets start by checking the timing marks to see how far there off?Iam still working on the price to replace the chain.
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Friday, May 31st, 2013 AT 10:47 PM
Tiny
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When doing the compression test, one of the spark plugs fell to the ground, so I replaced it with a new one just to be safe.
Tried starting the car again, just to see, and after cranking a bit it sputtered to a start with a puff of gray smoke and now is running fine.
Of course, happy it is, but wondered how it could.
I took compression reading twice and they were low as noted above.

Any idea what happened?
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Monday, June 3rd, 2013 AT 12:37 PM
Tiny
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Doesnt really make sense just one plug with a closed gap should still start and run on three cylinders also the compression readings were pretty low.
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Monday, June 3rd, 2013 AT 12:43 PM

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