[kuehjo]

I'm asking because I'm looking at a relatively clean, 2001 base model (2.7) with 80K miles.

The PO thinks he has the bearing failure because he found metal shavings in the filter and heard a noise before he parked the car. I think he's straight-up - and the car is being sold at a price that even makes engine replacement (used) possible...

The engine turns over, but the battery was completely dead (had to swap the battery out). The car does NOT start - does not even try to catch. It SOUNDS like it has compression. I'm actually inclined to believe that the fuel pump or the CPS may be out - but I haven't had time or access to the car yet (hopefully in about a week or so). I have dealt with a 454 Chevy that busted a timing chain and so I'm well aware of what happens when a piston hits a valve (or 4) - but in that truck you could hear the difference in the way the engine turned over - no compression - the engine just spun.

I know I should do a compression check (that will definitely give me the answer) - but when the IMS goes, and the timing jumps, is it really a grenade just taking out everything, or does the rotating assemby lock up, or does it just bend the crap out of valves? If it jumps just one tooth, will that keep the engine from starting/running, and still not run into interference issues? Theres lots out there on these things breaking, or people being AFRAID of them breaking - but I haven't seen any good descriptions of EXACTLY what the end result was, other than "the engine is toast"

Thanks all!!!!