'98 Monte LS died on way home from work-HELP!!

Awilli · #1 12-02-2006, 11:56 AM

Wednesday, cruising home at about 60 mph ,Heard a "POP" from under the hood, instantaneously got -OIL,VOLTS,CHECK ENGINE SOON lights.
Thought it was serpintine belt, belt was fine. Tried to start,backfires, acts like timming is off. Had to have it towed home, had my son try and start it while I watched under the hood, (I did have the bearings go out in the ALT. pulley one time on a 91 Suburban), I thought maybe same here, but everything was turning fine.
I need some HELP! here. I'm trying not to think its a valve or a spun bearing or something this close to Christmas.

P.S. 162,000 mi.

maxwedge · #2 12-02-2006, 04:43 PM

Does the engine crank, if so check compression in the easy cylinders.

Awilli · #3 12-02-2006, 07:31 PM

It cranked one time the next morning after it had died on me. It only ran about 30 seconds, would'nt take the gas to keep it running-- just sputtered and backfired, like I said it acts like it has jumped timing.

maxwedge · #4 12-03-2006, 10:27 AM

Pull the valve cover off see if all the rockers move, broken cams were somewhat common.

Awilli · #5 12-03-2006, 11:04 AM

I appreciate your replies! Can I remove just the valve cover on the side closest to the radiator or do both covers need to come off?
Thanks again!

maxwedge · #6 12-03-2006, 03:54 PM

If the rockers all move on the easy ft side, the cam is good.

Awilli · #7 12-03-2006, 05:08 PM

I understand and thank you very much. I will take a look at that as soon as it stops raining under my shade tree down here in S.C.
Let me ask you this, would one of the coils in the coil pack have gone out like that? I am lost on these newer vehicles. My experience is back on '79 chevy p/u. I did work on that '91 'Burban(a little), I mentioned earlier. Thanks again for your help!

Awilli · #8 02-06-2007, 05:51 PM

Here's the follow-up. It was the cam shaft, snapped in half. Got new 3.1 installed a couple of weeks ago.
I still have this problem with surging after I drive it about 20 mi. Put new wires and plugs in with new motor, can't be that. Acts like Tranny is trying to jump in and out of OD. Anyone have any ideas?

maxwedge · #9 02-09-2007, 03:48 PM

Get it scanned for a possible bad tps or for any trans codes.

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