Power Loss and Backfire?

[CJFusco]

Hey all, I was driving to work yesterday afternoon, coasting along in 3rd gear at about 40-50mph, when all of a sudden my 951 experienced a power loss, followed by a couple of backfires when I attempted to give it more gas, and then it died on me. Would not start once the engine cut out. There were no startling/unpleasant noises other than the backfires.

I haven't had time to get under the hood just yet - I lead a hectic life these days - but I know that this issue is related to engine timing. My first instinct is "check to see if the ignition rotor is loose", but what else could cause this problem? I am hoping it's nothing having to do with the timing belt, and I'm pretty sure it isn't - the power loss was more of a gradual thing than the engine just cutting out all of a sudden, and I didn't hear any weird noises other than the backfires.

[Paul_Heery]

Originally Posted by CJFusco

Would not start once the engine cut out.

Is the car running now?

[speedracing944]

I would check your rotor and then check for vacuum leaks.


Speedy

[CJFusco]

Car is not running now. It was towed home.

I am strongly thinking it is the rotor; I just replaced all the vacuum lines, and I'm doubting that I have a LEAK, although I suppose it's possible that a vacuum connector popped loose.

Anything else I should check?

[924Sman]

Not to upset you or cause trouble but it sounds like a valve spring went out. I say this as mine did some backfiring but not die and ended up solving it when I re did the valve train/head. Perhaps a quick compression check could rule that in or out. Best of luck!

Dal

[CJFusco]

I just had a valve job done when I resurfaced my head. This was about a month-and-a-half ago. So I sincerely doubt I had any internal head problems, but I'll keep it in mind.

[CJFusco]

I didn't have to be into work until noon today, so I figured I'd pull the distributor and see what I could see.

My first instinct was right on the money (that's been happening to me a lot with this car) - the ignition rotor was not only loose, but the allen head bolt that holds it on was MISSING!?! My guess is that it came loose and fell down into the timing belt cover. In any case, I haven't started the car yet, but think I found my problem.

Do you think I should pull the AC/PS belts and pull off the timing belt cover just to make sure that the missing bolt isn't gonna get caught up in anything? All the important belts have their teeth facing downward, so I don't think I'd have a problem... but I am paranoid about that timing belt.

[toolboy62]

I would just for peace of mind. The balance shaft belts are cogged on both sides.

nate

[Makis]

Yes if the rotor has not come loose and damaged the cup it should still do its job. So unfortunatelly you need to check that the belts are intact first before you do any further investigation. There should be a small rubber insert on the belt cover near the cam sproket (my S2 had got) that you can remove and see if the belt is till there. Hope you luck.

[CJFusco]

It turned out that the rotor bolt had simply fallen out of the distributor cap when I removed it. Car is now up and running fine.

[toolboy62]

I'm relieved for you! you did put a little dab of loctite on it didn't you?

nate

[thekidd]

Thank god! I know you spent a hella time on that head gasket, timing, vacume line,.....etc. Just happy to know that it was that littlething that got you a set back insted of a broken belt or bent valves. Happy motoring!

[CJFusco]

Yup. The whine from the bad TOB every time i push down the clutch pedal is kind of annoying, but I am glad I will have my little rocket to drive for the rest of the summer *knocks on wood*

[thekidd]

one more knock here. Good Luck!

[speedracing944]

good find. Now enjoy your car.

Speedy