car driving problems, timing chain?

[klixie3]

Ok my problem started shortly after a small fender bender in the front which messed up my front bumper and drivers fender. About a week after that, driving to work going about 70 in cruise control and the rpm jumps to 5,000, and the car starts losing speed like it went into neutral, I tapped the brake and it stopped, then anytime I tried to press the gas pedal too far down it would do this. It started sucking gas and then, last week it dies on me and won't start. the shop said it was the timing belt, they checked my compression and there is 0 in 2 cylinders, 30 in one and 90 in another. Does this sound right and does anyone know of any other problems there might be?

Klixie

[klixie3]

the year is 97 sunfire, 2.2L

[matt09524]

They said it was the timing belt? correct me if I'm wrong, but the 97 (I have a 2.4) has a chain. And I doubt that is the problem. Sounds like a fuel problem. Like maybe in the front of the engine where the fuel rail and throttle body is. How much damage was in the front? You didnt mention anything about radiator damage so I don't think it could be too bad.

[hotbug1776]

timing chain is just above the crank, pushrod motor.

You have NO COMPRESSION? ok, which two and a half cylinders are dead? did they turn over each cylinder to get it's pressure using a leakdown tester? And, in finding out this, did they happen to open the valve cover and look to see if the rockers were moving to prove that the cam wasn't turning? if you know they didn't, take out the plugs, and remove the valve cover (the top of the motor) and watch the rockers as you have someone crank the motor a few seconds at a time. if all 8 rockers move, then the cam is turning and the chain is good.

Now, forgive me, but I think if the compression is like that and it is three cylinders, in a row, with compression loss, you are looking at a head gasket issue, NOT a cam/timing chain issue. the 2.2L had some head gasket issues, easily replaced, about an afternoon worth of work if you are a novice. I've done the work on my old 2.2L engine, just get the gasket set and the bolt set (around $75 total or so IIRC)