wont start

[MSHardeman]

I don't really think that our timing belts can "slip". It's a "toothed" belt that rides on "toothed" gears so unless the belt is stripped or the tensioner has gone out I don't think you could slip a timing belt. Have you ever changed the fuel filter and fuel pressure regulators? My VX had a starting issue at Moab one year, and when I got back home I replaced my fuel filter (which was totally clogged because I couldn't blow through it) and my fuel pressure regulator and that seemed to fix everything. Both of those parts are cheap and, relatively, easy to get to so maybe give them a try first.

When you turn your key on the ignition to run (I think that's what it is), before you turn it once more to start the engine, you should be able to hear your fuel pump in the gas tank turn on to prime the engine, so that's an easy one to diagnose and make sure that it's working.

Those are my guesses.

[evillecutter]

I don't really think that our timing belts can "slip". It's a "toothed" belt that rides on "toothed" gears so unless the belt is stripped or the tensioner has gone out I don't think you could slip a timing belt. Have you ever changed the fuel filter and fuel pressure regulators? My VX had a starting issue at Moab one year, and when I got back home I replaced my fuel filter (which was totally clogged because I couldn't blow through it) and my fuel pressure regulator and that seemed to fix everything. Both of those parts are cheap and, relatively, easy to get to so maybe give them a try first.

When you turn your key on the ignition to run (I think that's what it is), before you turn it once more to start the engine, you should be able to hear your fuel pump in the gas tank turn on to prime the engine, so that's an easy one to diagnose and make sure that it's working.

Those are my guesses.

the timing slipped on my 68 firebird because the toothed gears wore down that held it on but that was a timing chain not a timing belt - i would assume that a belt would be able to slip much easier than a metal chain but a belt would also keep the gears holding it on from wearing down as well so i may have just answered my own question - the 626 i had it just snapped no warning whatsoever (belt not chain) - put on new fuel filter, fpr, icv, tps, and ngk plugs within the last 6 months - anyone know how to get to the fuel pump? i cant hear it priming but i never really could before this happened either - i can smell gas when i pump the pedal

[MSHardeman]

I have my old engine apart right now, and I can take pictures of the timing bits for you if you would like. Both the belt and the gears have some pretty deep ridges on them so I don't think that it would be possible for them to slip on eachother unless something was excessivly worn, or the tensioner gave out and allowed the belt to jump a tooth.

I think the fuel filter is actually IN the fuel tank. You'll have to drop the tank itself to be able to get to the top of the tank where the fuel pump is bolted up.

[Ldub]

This is kind of a shot inna dark but...

Since you mentioned noticeable valve clatter...

I remember a few posts in tha past, where someone had a sound that was like clatter or even the dreaded "death knock"...turned out to be the timing belt tensioner saying goodbye, which would also explain the possible circumstance of the timing belt skipping a cog...

In any event, with sleuthing out the solution.

[VX KAT]

Since you mentioned noticeable valve clatter...

I remember a few posts in tha past, where someone had a sound that was like clatter or even the dreaded "death knock"...turned out to be the timing belt tensioner saying goodbye, which would also explain the possible circumstance of the timing belt skipping a cog...

pretty sure that was SilverBullet75. He's mentioned it several times.
Search his posts, with "tensioner", it was maybe a year ago or less.

[Y33TREKker]

Does the engine even SOUND like it's trying to fire while turning over? If not, it could be more electrically related, like something in the ignition. Have you checked for any blown fuses like fuel pump or ignition circuits? Even if a timing belt jumped a cog, it seems you'd still have fuel being ignited causing backfires or a VERY rough running engine.

[evillecutter]

Does the engine even SOUND like it's trying to fire while turning over? If not, it could be more electrically related, like something in the ignition. Have you checked for any blown fuses like fuel pump or ignition circuits? Even if a timing belt jumped a cog, it seems you'd still have fuel being ignited causing backfires or a VERY rough running engine.

engine is turning over just fine really wants to start - plenty of juice just no fire

[evillecutter]

This is kind of a shot inna dark but...

Since you mentioned noticeable valve clatter...

I remember a few posts in tha past, where someone had a sound that was like clatter or even the dreaded "death knock"...turned out to be the timing belt tensioner saying goodbye, which would also explain the possible circumstance of the timing belt skipping a cog...

In any event, with sleuthing out the solution.

is the timing belt tensioner inside with the timing belt? or is that the same tensioner pulley thingy on the outside?

[Ldub]

I think the fuel filter is actually IN the fuel tank. You'll have to drop the tank itself to be able to get to the top of the tank where the fuel pump is bolted up.

Mark, it's fairly apparent to me that your brain was thinking fuel pump, but your digits typed filter...

The filter is on the pass side frame.

[MSHardeman]

You are correct Dub. Mind thought fuel pump, fingers typed fuel filter.

Yes, fuel pump on passenger side frame rail, fuel PUMP in gas tank.

I either need to get my fingers or my brain fixed.

[Ldub]

You are correct Dub. Mind thought fuel pump, fingers typed fuel filter.

Yes, fuel FILTER on passenger side frame rail, fuel PUMP in gas tank.

I either need to get my fingers or my brain fixed.

Fixed'd it for ya Bro...