car wont start...

chowderfoot · 09-13-2009, 10:01 PM

i have a 02 wrx and i just drove it 1800 miles from delaware to austin tx. before i left i got a tune up new plugs, oil change, etc. after getting here and letting the car sit for a few days it wont start...it sounds like its not really turning the engine just turning the starter. do you think it would be fuel related?

ratfink · 09-13-2009, 10:05 PM

The starter is separate from any fuel issue. Is the engine turning or not? If it's turning over really easy and fast you probably lost a timing belt. Sorry

chowderfoot · 09-13-2009, 11:11 PM

man i really hope not that would be the worst..it def is turning the pistons because the exhaust makes a sound...but its def turning really easy...the timing belt cover wasn't noticeably broken, but there was s few ripped pieces on the fan belt and it was like half as wide as it used to be.

chowderfoot · 09-14-2009, 04:56 PM

just got the cover off for the timing belt and the belt isnt broken....i didnt how ever take off the middle cover because i didnt wanna mess with the crank because i dont have a impact wrench...any other ideas what is wrong? could it still be timing belt related?

ratfink · 09-14-2009, 06:11 PM

Yep, the teeth right on the crank often come off leaving the rest looking good. You need to have someone crank it and make sure the belt is moving if you didn't already.

If the belt/cams all spin, and the belt isn't loose, then it may be fine. Anytime I hear someone say a car cranks fast and easy, the belt is the prime suspect. I don't know whether your motor bends valves if the belt breaks (interference type motor) or if it has a non-interference valve system. If it won't bend valves, it's not horrible to put a new belt on.