Cat Fuzz

It's a 97 Sebring LXi. It was given to me in non-running condition. It has run a little bit but very badly. The guy that gave it to me said something about the timing belt broke and they put on another one or the new one they put on broke or something. As far as I can see, the belt that is on it now is properly installed. The car won't run now. One thing is though, the plug wires are pretty trashed but I don't want to drop the cash on a new set until I know if this engine is ok. I have the intake off and started pulling the cam covers to see if that tells me anything about the condition of the valves.

I'm asking because All Data doesn't mention that it is interference but I tend to not believe the repair manual since they all say Isuzu 3.2L are interference when they are not.

Any insight will be appreciated. Thanks.

Airjer_

I don't think they are. A simple compression test would tell you if there where bent valves! These are notorious for bad coils that cause week or no spark. Mat want to see what kind of spark your getting to the plugs. An adjustable gap spark tester will help a lot!!

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Cat Fuzz

I don't have a compression tester handy but I'll try to get a hold of one. The clue on the weak coils is a good one. Thanks!

Cat Fuzz

Well, the spark plug wires were trashed. Put on a new set and it now runs but still bad and it won't idle. While poking around I found a sign of something bad. I found a soft plug that had fallen out of the left head right under the exhaust manifold. Still can't do a compression check but I'm thinking I would find a couple dead cylinders. I think I'll put it up for sale as-is.

Cat Fuzz

Apparently it is an interference engine. Compression test revealed no compression in two of the three front cylinders. Pulled the head and the intake valves are bent.

Need to know what other cars use this engine so I can find a good used head. Anyone know?