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Hey! This past weekend my car just died on me while driving about 65/70 mph
on the highway and it wont restart.... here's the details
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso, DOHC 2.0 LT
Approx 130k miles
Havent done anything mechanical to it except change plugs and wires and the
EGR valve since 55k miles, not sure what was done before then.
I always get regular oil changes but as far as tune ups and check ups...
let's just say I haven't really been too smart.
Here's the details on the symptoms....
Recently the car has been stalling/sputtering after I try to accelerate
after stopping at a light or stop sign etc. After I give it extra gas, it
is typically fine, but has been doing it a little more often.
About 30 minutes before it died, I pulled through a drive through to get a
drink and I heard somewhat of a clicking noise, quiet but loud enough that
I can hear it with the music off. (I was out of town about 2 hours away so
I had no choice but to just continue home and have it checked out when I
got there)
While :driving: , the engine light comes on along with the oil light and
not even a half second later (maybe even simultaneously) the car just dies.
I pull off to the shoulder and there is grey smoke coming from the engine
(while looking at the car from the hood, it's the front left of the car -
where my timing belt is)... the car did not overheat.
It turned over but wouldnt restart. I had plenty of oil and fluids in the
car.
Had to leave it there. The next day, approximately 20 hours later, we went
back to try and restart it, wouldnt restart. Tried jump starting it, again,
would turn over but not start. ALL the fluids were at appropriate
levels.
Towed it back to the house, been working on it for the past 4 days.
Any ideas?
Sad to say, but I am 99% sure the timing belt has never been replaced which
is why I'm so highly concerned if that is the problem. The belt is NOT
broke. It is still in tact, not cracked or anything to my knowledge, but
possible sheared some teeth and not catching at each relay that it should?
a_pence19
Does the engine "turn over" when you turn the key in the ignition? Does it
turn over but sound as if nothing's happening in there, ie; almost as if
it's lazy? (Lack of compression).
Cliffy
