Ignition ok cambelt ok but car dead in the water just cut out whilst driving

Could be so many things need more info. When it cuts out, does it act as if it's running out of fuel-- sputtering, or just dead on/off? If the latter, I would suspect bad ignition module, coil, crank/cam sensor. If the former, could be fuel pump, relay, filter. These intermittent problems can be tricky.

To be 100% certain the cambelt is broken the cam cover needs to be removed take out the top 4 M6 bolts this will let you pull back the cover to check the belt if it's broken cylinder head off to check valves and pistons for damage good luck

• Yes, possibly the water got up around ignition parts or electrical connections that are giving you problems. Have the engine computer scanned for diagnostic trouble codes. If the engine light was on, it should have set a code.

I have one doing the same, when i datalogged it whilst driving i found the ignition timing to be at approx 20 degrees after top dead centre when the car is sluggish and when it kicks into life it goes to approx 15-25 degrees before top dead centre, so it is definatly a timng issue, although mine does not have variable valve timing?? any ideas??

Hi,
You need to check you have fuel being delivered to the fuel rail or filter outlet. If this ok then you need to check you have spark at the spark plugs.
If these are all ok then it is possible that if your vehicle has done over 120,000 km that your cambelt has broken and you will need to replace this.
Let me know if you need more information.
Thanks
Jason

Hi there,

Most Japanese designed engines have an internally mounted water pump, usually driven by the cambelt.

When we talk in terms of cam design, there are two types of engines: a) Interference and b) non-interference.

An interference egine means - if the cambelt were to break whilst engine is running, there will be major internal engine damage.
A non-interference engine means - if the cambelt were to break whilst engine is running, there will NOT be any serious internal damage to the engine.

Note: the GS300 engine (3.0L 6-cyl) is considered a Non-Interference engine.

So, one of the most critical compenents which MUST be changed, is the cambelt itself. Most manufacturers recommend changing this belt every 90,000 - 100,000km's (80,000 miles). If you have a non-interference engine, this period is not as critical, but should still be changed soon, to avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown whilst travelling.

The 2nd critical compenent is the Water Pump. The worst possible outcome of a failed waterpump, is your engine will suddenly drain of all coolant, resulting in serious overheating, causing serious internal damage to your engine.

Although there is no specified time to change the waterpump, a waterpump endures wear and tear like any component and lifespan can reduce rapidly beyond 100,000km's (80,000 mles). As the waterpump is situated next to the cambelt, it is a general rule to change out both cambelt and waterpump at the same time.

The majority of the cost to replace the cambelt, is in labor (ie opening the engine etc). If you choose to replace only one of these components, you will need to be prepared to pay for same procedure again in future, to replace the 2nd component.

Therefore, it can be more economical in the long term, to have both components changed together.

Hope this helps...


Scott




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Sounds like you have a fuel issue. It could be a fuel pump cutting in and out. It could be fuel pressure regulator, or an injector not spraying correct. I think it's time to find an honest educated repairman.

try removing battery and cleaning all the ground under the battery tray and check main ground wire from battery to engine

I would replace the fuel pump relay, and the engine speed sensor. I would need more information to rule one or the other out, but at this mileage, neither part is terribly expensive, and both have been known to cause your same exact condition

umh,have you checked the cambelt/chain tension its a bit strange for two sensors to go down at the same time !! cranksensor would make it stop but normally on sequential injection if the camsensor fails the car will keep running untilll you stop it then refuse to start....