94 Grand AM SE Quad 4 - dies, possible timing chain slip?

[sas11kid]

I have a 94 Grand AM SE with a quad 4 engine in it. To give you some history, I have head a blown head gasket in this car about 4 years ago. We replaced it and put the engine back together. I have also had a slight hesitation, which happens every once in a while when you step on the gas. It only last for about 3 seconds and then starts running correctly.

Recently I was driving my car in town, no problems at all when I made the corner and it felt like I dropped the engine. The service engine soon light came on, and it felt like I lost all compression. I was entering on to the express way and it took about a mile to get from 0-35mph. I managed to get it coughing, choking and barely running to my close location (within a mile). After I shut it off, it would not start again. We pulled it apart and check the compression in the cylinders and all 4 seem to be fine. This happening so suddenly has me questioning what should I be looking for? I am thinking that maybe the timing chain slipped and that is what I need to work on, but I was hoping someone would have some input. This way I would be looking in the right direction.

Thanks

[skibum1111]

I don't think its your timing chain as your compression test results came out ok. If the car didn't make any nasty sounds like metal on metal or a loud bang or crunch, then its probably not the timing chain. I would start by checking the throttle position sensor, the maf, and the o2 sensor. If they all check ok, check for fuel pressure, check your coils and ignition module. Also, check your plugs see what they look like as they wil give you a good idea of what the engine is running like. Hope this helps.

[joslinm]

Originally Posted by sas11kid

I have a 94 Grand AM SE with a quad 4 engine in it. To give you some history, I have head a blown head gasket in this car about 4 years ago. We replaced it and put the engine back together. I have also had a slight hesitation, which happens every once in a while when you step on the gas. It only last for about 3 seconds and then starts running correctly.

Recently I was driving my car in town, no problems at all when I made the corner and it felt like I dropped the engine. The service engine soon light came on, and it felt like I lost all compression. I was entering on to the express way and it took about a mile to get from 0-35mph. I managed to get it coughing, choking and barely running to my close location (within a mile). After I shut it off, it would not start again. We pulled it apart and check the compression in the cylinders and all 4 seem to be fine. This happening so suddenly has me questioning what should I be looking for? I am thinking that maybe the timing chain slipped and that is what I need to work on, but I was hoping someone would have some input. This way I would be looking in the right direction.

Thanks

Check your coil housing. I had a miss and a hesitation for a year before I figured out it was the problem. The way I did figure it out was to take the housing and the module off the magnesium cover and reinstall without it on. That way I could spray everything with a bottle of water and look for sparks. I had lots of them even though the housing looked fine. Bought a new housing and the car runs like new. If you do find that the module is bad, I have one I'll sell for 1/3rd the cost new.