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Question

if my timing marks are lined up, which cylinder should the rotor be pointing at? V-6 SFI

Submitted: 454 days and 4 hours ago.

Category: Chevy

Value: $9

Status: CLOSED

1997 Chevrolet astro vortec v-6

Already Tried:
have timing cover and distributor cap off. also couldn't get oil pan off. all bolts removed but it won't budge.

Posted by Wrenchtech 454 days and 3 hours ago.

Info Request

What is it your trying to do?

454 days and 3 hours ago.

Reply

diagnose if timing has jumped. engine was running fine at 65mph and then suddenly shut down. just a sputter and noise before it shut off.

Posted by Wrenchtech 454 days and 3 hours ago.

Info Request

You said you had the timing marks exposed.

Have you tested the fuel pressure?

454 days and 3 hours ago.

Reply

no, it won't start but makes an attempt like timing is off. I unhooked the coil and engine spins fine. Mechanic friend was there when it happened and said it sounded like it jumped time. I replaced fuel pump less than 1 year ago. meant to say no noise when it shutdown. just a small hick up, sputter.

Edited by XXXXXXXX on 8/24/2008 at 4:46 PM

Posted by Wrenchtech 454 days and 3 hours ago.

Answer

Timing is not real likely here. The ignition timing is not changeable. If you think the engine is crossfiring, then check for cracked distributor cap or even mis-routed plug wires if they have been messed with. If your getting backfiring, the crank sensor would be suspect. Check for a strong spark when cranking the engine.

The most common cause of no-starts in this engine is fuel pressure. It's a high pressure system and requires a minimum of 55 PSI to even run.

454 days and 2 hours ago.

Reply

It is not just that it simply won't start now.I was going down the highway at 65 mph when the motor suddenly shutdown. I will check the fuel pressure later. I am trying to determine if the engine has jumped time. This is where I was told to start based off of a mechanic who stopped to help. Can you anwer my original question?

454 days and 2 hours ago.

Reply

are you there?

Posted by Wrenchtech 454 days and 2 hours ago.

Answer

Apparently my last answer got lost.

I answered your original question.

The timing on this vehicle is not adjustable, therefofe there are no timing marks. Turning the distributor does not change the timing at all. It merely throws the Cam sensor out of synch with the crank sensor. If that happens, it will require the use of a class 2 scan tool to correct it.

If someone is telling you that timing is your problem, then you need a different advisor because that person does not understand this engine.

The #1 cause of dieing or not starting in this engine is the fuel pump.

Edited by Wrenchtech on 8/24/2008 at 5:44 PM

454 days and 1 hours ago.

Reply

sorry it took me a while to get back to you. Ok, I'll check the fuel pressure. Can you take a guess as to why I couldn't remove my oil pan. All bolts are removed and I have a clear view of the pan. It acts like it is pinned in some way but I can't find anything that is still holding it. I have used a rubber hammer on the reinforced areas and it still won't come off. After draining the oil, I found metal on the magnet in the end of the drian plug. I think the last time I had my oil changed they broke the drain plug off and just drove it into the pan and then put another plug in it.

Accepted Answer

I can't really get into a totally different subject but there are larger bolts in the corners of the pan that you may not see. use the rubber hammer to hit it from the side at the bottom.

I'm sure you missed a bolt or two somewhere.

Accepts:
Expert:	Wrenchtech
Pos. Feedback:	98.4 %
Answered:	8/24/2008

ASE Certified Technician

40 years experience with ASE certification as Master Technician with L1--Repair Shop Owner

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Question

if my timing marks are lined up, which cylinder should the rotor be pointing at? V-6 SFI

Optional Information

1997 Chevrolet astro vortec v-6

Already Tried:
have timing cover and distributor cap off. also couldn't get oil pan off. all bolts removed but it won't budge.

Info Request

What is it your trying to do?

Reply

diagnose if timing has jumped. engine was running fine at 65mph and then suddenly shut down. just a sputter and noise before it shut off.

Info Request

You said you had the timing marks exposed.

Have you tested the fuel pressure?

Reply

Answer

Reply

Reply

are you there?

Answer

Reply

Accepted Answer

I can't really get into a totally different subject but there are larger bolts in the corners of the pan that you may not see. use the rubber hammer to hit it from the side at the bottom.

I'm sure you missed a bolt or two somewhere.

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Related Cheverolet Topics:

Question

if my timing marks are lined up, which cylinder should the rotor be pointing at? V-6 SFI

Optional Information

1997 Chevrolet astro vortec v-6 Already Tried: have timing cover and distributor cap off. also couldn't get oil pan off. all bolts removed but it won't budge.

Info Request

What is it your trying to do?

Reply

diagnose if timing has jumped. engine was running fine at 65mph and then suddenly shut down. just a sputter and noise before it shut off.

Info Request

You said you had the timing marks exposed.Have you tested the fuel pressure?

Reply

Answer

Reply

Reply

are you there?

Answer

Reply

Accepted Answer

I can't really get into a totally different subject but there are larger bolts in the corners of the pan that you may not see. use the rubber hammer to hit it from the side at the bottom.I'm sure you missed a bolt or two somewhere.

Related Chevy Questions

1997 Chevrolet astro vortec v-6

Already Tried:
have timing cover and distributor cap off. also couldn't get oil pan off. all bolts removed but it won't budge.

You said you had the timing marks exposed.

Have you tested the fuel pressure?

I can't really get into a totally different subject but there are larger bolts in the corners of the pan that you may not see. use the rubber hammer to hit it from the side at the bottom.

I'm sure you missed a bolt or two somewhere.