Has my engine exploded?!

[GeoMetron]

Here are the symptoms...

I started to notice a lack of power climbing hills and maintaining highway speeds.

Then, there was a loud seemingly random metallic knocking sound, which didn't ring like valve tapping. It sounded almost as if something was inside the block flying around. It wasn't rhythmic or particularly consistent with engine speed.

I continued to lose power until it stalled in my driveway. The engine will turn over but will not start.

When I crank the engine, that metallic sound can be heard clearly. I pulled my plugs and there was no evidence of mechanical damage.

Has my engine exploded?

Thanks!

[Crvett69]

i would run a compression test to find out whats going on, should be around 140-150 cold

[crazyinkc]

Sounds like a spun rod bearing. It is fatal. I would start looking for a good used engine. If you are near Kansas City, I have a good 3 cyl motor out of a 93 parts car I will sell cheap.

[GeoMetron]

Originally Posted by crazyinkc

Sounds like a spun rod bearing. It is fatal. I would start looking for a good used engine. If you are near Kansas City, I have a good 3 cyl motor out of a 93 parts car I will sell cheap.

I'm down around Fayetteville, AR. It wouldn't be that far out of my way to travel up to K.C. Send me an email or private message and let me know how much.

Thanks,

Geo

[Crvett69]

you would have heard the noise before you started losing power if it was a rod bearing most likely.

[crazyinkc]

Pull the oil pan first and see what it is. I miss read your post the first time. I thought you said it WAS a rhythmic sound. Check the end of the crank for a missing crank bolt. I have seen this quite a few times. The timing belt jumps time when the cog on the end of the crank starts flopping around. Email me @ [email protected] if you need the motor.

[GeoMetron]

That's very, very interesting. I was having a lot of trouble with my car falling out of time. No matter what I did to get it to time perfectly, within a few trips, the car would go severely out of time.

I'll check it out for sure.

I'll let you know about the engine.

Originally Posted by crazyinkc

Pull the oil pan first and see what it is. I miss read your post the first time. I thought you said it WAS a rhythmic sound. Check the end of the crank for a missing crank bolt. I have seen this quite a few times. The timing belt jumps time when the cog on the end of the crank starts flopping around. Email me @ [email protected] if you need the motor.

[Crvett69]

if timing is jumping around i would suspect a loose front crank bolt that holds damper and timing belt gear on, if bolt is loose damper will rattle and as it wear timing will wander around about 10-15 degrees. check front bolt and see if its tight

[GeoMetron]

Originally Posted by Crvett69

if timing is jumping around i would suspect a loose front crank bolt that holds damper and timing belt gear on, if bolt is loose damper will rattle and as it wear timing will wander around about 10-15 degrees. check front bolt and see if its tight

Front bolt is tight and there was nothing in the oil pan, no bits flopping around. I took a chance and ran the engine for a few seconds without the oil pan and that clacky loose metal sound was still present.

I retimed the engine, put everything back together but I think it's 180 off as I couldn't get it to run properly. I'll redo the timing tomorrow and make sure that I'm at TDC. Is it possible that my clutch is broken in some way and that is what is making the noise or perhaps a rock or pebble in the flywheel?

I'm a little stumped now.

J.