2001 Chevy Cavalier Engine won't start

MLDNC1

MEMBER
2001 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
214,000 MILES

While drive home the engine just quit. I have gas and the car turns like it wants to start but never does. A friend of my check for engine compression and told me there was none. What do I check now or where to I go from here.

Monday, May 18th, 2009 AT 5:46 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

If your friend is correct and there is no compression, either you have a blown head gasket or maybe the timing belt has broken. Have your friend check to see if the cam is turning when you crank the engine. Also, it is hard to believe that you have "no compression" in all cylenders. That doesn't make sense if the car was running. Did he actually check all of them? Also, has he checked to see if the engine is getting fuel and spark to the plugs?

Let me know.

Joe

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Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 AT 3:44 PM

MLDNC1

MEMBER
1 POST

I thought the same thing the turns over like it wants to start how would I check to see if the timing chain is broken. I will check to see if I am getting spark to the plugs.

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Tuesday, May 19th, 2009 AT 6:11 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

You can remove the timing belt cover or remove the valve cover and see if the cam turns when the engine is cranked.

If you use some starting fluid, will it start for a few seconds? Does the engine sound the same as it always did when you crank it or does it sound like it is turning faster or in a different way?

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Wednesday, May 20th, 2009 AT 7:24 AM