How do I check if the timing belt has slipped on 1999 Chevy Venture 3400 sfi?
I have a 1999 Chevy Venture with the 3400 sfi. Before work, I started the van to let it warm up, it started fine. When I came back out to leave the van had stalled. Now it won't run. It cranks and attempts to run but idles very rough, severe misfiring, then dies. It has spark and can hear the fuel pump engage when the key is turned to the on position. I pulled 2 of the plugs and they smelled of fuel but weren't wet. I don't believe it's flooded. I have also tried to start it using the flooded engine procedure. I'm afraid the timing belt has slipped. How can I check this without tearing the engine apart? One last thing, it is extremely cold here in Indiana (thank you Polar Vortex II). In case I'm fortunate enough that there is just water in the fuel, I just poured in a bottle of Heet. Any thoughts on what it could be would be appreciated.
Your Chevy Venture has a timing chain ..http://www.justanswer.com/chevy/2jz4z-99-chevy-venture-timing-belt-chain.html ..and it is unlikely it has jumped a tooth unless the tensioner has failed. And sorry, but the only way to know is look. Click image
Thanks Ford. I had just found that out right before I read your response. I've since tried spraying ether directly into the throttle body and the engine still won't run. It still seems like a timing problem. Any suggestions on what I can check to verify this? Is the timing controlled by computer?
The ignition timing is, but the chain is the cam--valve timing.Do and OBDII scan. Many parts houses will do it free for you, and eliminate a lot of guesswork
Opps, just noticed it won't run to get to parts house..but you can buy one, maybe rent a scanner
That's another thing. The check engine light isn't even on. I have a few things to check before I start removing parts to check the chain and tensioner; the other 2 ignition coils, the ICM and crankshaft sensor, at least. Any other suggestions? Also, I'll borrow/rent a scanner if I can pull a code without the CEL on.
did you ever figure out what the problem was? I have a 99 Montana that's doing the same exact thing. I tore off the entire front end of the engine to find the timing chain and all parts exactly as they should be. ?????
