1994 Cavalier wont start-- more info update?

Question

Hi, I have a '94 Cavalier with the 2.2L engine. Parked it in the drive way 2 nights ago.. went out last night to drive it and would not start. Noticed a few things right off.. vapor or 'smoke' coming from the dipstick tube when cranking with dipstick removed. Also, it would try to start when floored-like start to fire a few cylinders-but never get enough to get going. I have done some more probing and maybe this info will help.

I decided to check the OBD to see if there were any codes showing. Found info that told me to jumper Pin A and B to set computer into diagnostics mode.. Car should show code 12 at first then flash out any codes in the computer. Well, I could not get anything to happen by jumpering these two pins. Also, took all plugs out, they were all wet, checked all plugs for spark and they all spark. My timing chain has been making alot of noise for a while, my guess is that it skipped a tooth and is causing fuel vapor(verified by smell) to blow into the crankcase

Answer 1

i own a repair shop,and i just got one of those back together today that has broke timing chain in it,,it was the first 2.2 i had ever seen actually brake a chain in to,,but it happened,,yours may have just jumped a few teeth if its got over 90-100.000 miles on it there is a good possibility that this did happen to it,im glad you know enough about vehicles to check certain things on it,,it makes it easier for me to help you that way,,id pull the cover ,and see,if that's it,,the one i did was in a truck,and i had to pull the engine,,it cant be done any other way,,good luck with it,i hope this help,s.,,PS i think in the cavaliers the engine don't have to come out,,just in the trucks,,good luck with it.

Answer 2

I might not have the correct answer for you because I'm not a mechanic. But you obviously really want help.

First I would ask if the car has head gasket failure? This is because you mention vapour. You can check the underside of the oil cap, if it is milky then this is a sign of HGF. You can also check the coolant, if there is oil in here, this is another sign of HGF.

Secondly the engine may be flooding for some reason. You can easily get the car started by removing the fuse for the fuel pump turning the engine over to empty the cylinders, then put back the fuse and turn over again, this time the car may start perfectly. My girlfriend had this problem with her car a few times after it had sat for a few days. It was a pain in the backside to repeat this procedure all the time, but at least she was able to do it to use her car.


Hope this helps

Answer 3

make sure you have right level of oil and it is proper color. Try jumpstarting it, might not have enough power in the battery to completely get it going. Also if maybe it rained or you got a car wash water got somewhere it shouldnt have thanks to a bad gasket or seal but most likely this sounds like a simple fix. Have someone who knows a lot about cars take a look at it and they can probably identify the prob for you in a few minutes if you give them a few bucks. Dont go to a shop til you know whats wrong because they will overcharge you.
Also try diconeect battery and then reconnect it and try starting. If theres something wrong with your timing then check that everything is lined up and belts are good then re adjust or replace.

Answer 4

The problem is that you knew the timing chain was going and kept driving anyway. You'll be lucky if the pistons haven't smashed into the valves.

Answer 5

there is 1 way you can tell if its the timing chain.do you got a distributer?if you do then put number 1 piston up on top dead center and look at the rotor button,where is it pointing to?it should be pointing to number 1 plug wire.

Answer 6

Yep, replace the timing chain.