What could be the reason for a car engine to die on the highway?

Question

I drive a 4 Speed 94 Tercel. My car is lowered and I recently went over a bump and messed up my exhaust... causing it to have an exhaust leak.

Everyone told me it's still drivable.

Now, I took it out for a spin after a week on the highway to pick my friend up who is 8 miles away from my house and as soon as I got back on the highway, I was moving really really slow, and I was basically FLOORING it and I noticed my speed was dropping from 70 to 50 and people were honking like crazy...

I was fortunate to be close to my exit near my home.

Now the engine completely died and I had to basically glide the car to a safe spot in a high school.

I waited for a few minutes... and then I restarted it by just reving and reving. I started driving it, then it dies after I press the brakes. Then I restarted it again and it dies and I start it up again and just kept revving and revving just to keep the engine alive until I reached my house.

What just happen? Is it because of the exhaust leak?

I had above a half tank of gas and the engine temp was normal. The only lights that did came on was the engine light and the oil light. I checked the oil and it had enough to last me the day.

I had above a half tank of gas and the engine temp was normal. The only lights that did came on was the engine light and the oil light. I checked the oil and it had enough to last me the day.

This car burns oil like no other. Recently had maintenance fix it from being leaked so many times... oh yes it was fixed... but it's burning like crazy. I recently added 2 quarts of oil before the exhaust leak accident.

But that couldn't be the reason to why the engine is acting ridiculous.

Answer 1

That car may need back pressure, ie it will not run with a large exaust leak. The leak most likely has gotten worse as the crack is getting larger. Also you may ruin an oxygen sensor by driving like that.
So sure most cars need a properly functioning exaust system to work properly.

Answer 2

You most likely damaged the transmission pan or maybe the engine oil pan and have a leak. You'll need to get underneath it (take it to a shop) and inspect the carnage.

Look at the gas tank, too. If the tank got a crease in it this can put abnormal pressure on the fuel pump which rests on the bottom of the tank.

Good Luck!

P.S. The exhaust would not create this problem. Make sure you didn't break off an O2 sensor.

Answer 3

Without looking at the car it's a tough call. But since you said that the car is lowered, and you started to experience problems after you went over a bump..... I would check to see if you bent the exhaust pipe, or damaged the catalytic converter, causing it to close off the exhaust. When this happens, it builds up enough back-pressure to load up the engine and cause it to act like it's lost power. When you let it sit....... the pressure is relieved and you can start the car.... and it will run until the pressure builds back up. I would check the exhaust system to see if it's blocked or restricted.

Answer 4

Engines require a certain amout of flow to operate properly. If your catalitic converter is stopped up, you could find the engine has no power. If the engine doesn't have enough back pressure, it could stall. If you have an unburnt fuel recirculating system leak, the engine could run roughly and have insufficient power.

You need a mechanic to check this out.

Answer 5

BIG MISTAKE, regarding lowering your car/getting a vehicle that's lowered.
As u likely found out, you're creating problems.
You very likely dented/damaged something when u hit that bump!
No matter how 'cool' u think a lowered vehicle looks, it's NOT practical. unless u want to keeep breaking/repairing it!

u need to thoroughly look/have someone look underneath, to see everything that's damaged.

Possibly: transaxle, or exaust system (u may have plugged it hitting the bump), cheak the oil pan, and any wires (to the transmission/other wires ripped away).

Answer 6

sounds more like a loss of compression, you wouldnt get that with an exhaust leak even if you knocked it loose from the manifold,theres a variety of reasons it could act that way besides compression, clogged fuel filters,or fuel lines i'd take it to a mechanic

Answer 7

you may have messed up more than your exhaust. Check for loose hoses or wires. No idle, have the idle solenoid checked. Sounds like you must have hit that bump pretty hard, the bump could have knocked something else loose. The hole in your exhaust is where? How large? Is the exhaust manifold in place?

Answer 8

You blew the engine. Aside from the exhaust problem cars need oil. Either spend the "time" to learn about your car... or any car that you drive... or be prepared to spend a lot of money with people who do.

Answer 9

its not ur exhause system... somethings wrong with ur engine... check the following:

1. is ur gas tank empty?
2. are the spark plugs clean?
3. is ur battery life still full?
4. is ur arburator wet or moist?
5. do u have oil in your engine?

once u've check all these and still dies... i think the gasoline inflow from your tank to the engine is full of mineral deposits or has some water added... i think u better replace the fuel filter... if it still desn't work.. have ur car sent to the nearest trusited mechanic...

Answer 10

timing belt. it's simple ....just disassemble the drive train and drop the valve gasket assembly. then you can rebuild the valve cover gasket by removing the housing cover with a 3/4" torque socket wrench.. then replace the belt, be sure to inspect valves for damage....reattache the drive shaft, and you're ready to go. hope I could help