Car quit on the way to work, Car quit Options

[Bigblock]

On my way to work the Celica quit!!
Sputtered 1time.
Lights & radio work.
Starter just whines but doesn't engage.
Getting it towed to the shop but it'll be a festering days b4 it gets checked. I know the owner of the shop so there's no problem with me checking things out.
Ideas???
Thanks

[Special_Edy]

Why dont you just watch the crankshaft pulley while the engine is cranked, that way you can see if its turning. over. You can also place a stick down the sparkplug tube and watch if it rises and falls with the piston while the motor is cranked.

If the starter spins and the motor doesnt, either the gear on your starter is broken/damaged or the teeth on your flywheel are broken/damaged.
If the car is a manual you can push the car while its in gear(5th is easiest) to see if you can turn it past the broken teeth on the flywheel, if that is the problem.

As was stated above if the crankshaft is spinning, your description could mean the timing belt is indeed broken.
If the timing belt is broken, you will only have compression on two cylinders, the ones stuck on the combustion and compression strokes, and NO compression on the other two cylinders, the ones trapped on the intake and exhaust valve event. Another test would be to remove the valve cover and watch if the camshaft spins while you turn the crankshaft with a 19mm(3/4inch) socket on the crankshaft pulley bolt.


Edit* Its been stated that the motor will turn over incredibly easy with a broken timing belt, but this is not entirely true. As I said two cylinders would be sealed airtight, and will still reach full compression(or vacuum), while the other two will force all compression out of the open valve. You can hear the sound of a broken timing belt, the engine turns over normally but the tone is slightly different. It makes two normal compression noises followed by two abnormal sounds from the open cylinders. The engine will make this loping noise, two on, two off, and anyone mechanically inclined WILL notice the difference in tone. But the engine will still require the majority of the normal force to turn over. You can probably find example videos online so that you can hear the difference, its unmistakeable.



hope this helps

This post has been edited by Special_Edy: Jan 6, 2013 - 7:30 PM