97 Toyota Camry 4cyl. While driving it Died!

While driving it stalled and came to a stop. It was spurting like it was going to run out of gas (before it died) but the tank is 3/4 full. While trying to start it up again it sounds like the starter is just spinning. All the Belts turn while trying to start it. I need some help with this one I'm stumped... I'm not a mechanic, but am sort of handy and can fix things.

1. Could it be bad spark plugs?
2. Timming Belt?
3. Bad fuel filter?

How do I go about figuring it out... To see what's wrong.

Thanks in advance

. Replace the starter, if it just spins--the overiding clutch may be shot.

. Ensure the camshaft rotates, when the engine is cranked--remove the oil filler cap and look inside. This will tell you if the timing belt broke.

. Test all underhood and underdash fuses with a test light or multimeter:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post252145

. Check for codes.

. Check for spark.

. Check for fuel--can you hear the fuel pump in the gas tank run, when the ignition switch is turned to ON?

. Replace the coil. It's common on Toyotas for the coil to fail. Don't rely on unreliable bench tests--just replace it.

. Change the platinum spark plugs, with the exact ones that came in the car, if they have over 45,000 miles on them.

. Replace the fuel filter, if you have over 30,000 miles on it.

I'm betting the timing belt let go. Did the engine have a fluttering sound when in gear idling before this?
To see what's wrong you'd have to do a compression check to see if the cam timing is off.

Did you find out what the problem was? My car just did the same thing.

What year is your Camry? How many miles?
You may have lost your timing belt but this needs verified.

1993, 156,000 miles. Now when it cranks over it sounds more high pitched than normal and seems slower than usual. Pulled the timing cover back, belt spins when cranked bench tested the starter that was fine. Im stumped. What should I check now?

You've lost compression. The t-belt has slipped a tooth or 2.

Derek, those are classic signs of a failing timing belt.
That is a common need for these engines to require a t-belt periodically. The great news is that your engine is a "clearance" engine, meaning that even though major components inside your engine aren't working together any more, there won't be catastrophic damage just maintenance.



Call around and get sestimates. Prices will vary from one area to another.
This may also be a great time to reseal the front of the engine: front crank and cam seals and the oil pump seals. They are recommended because even if they're not leaking now, they're behind the t-belt and they've been in place as long as the belt and it failed.
Many times shops will recommend a water pump but that isn't always necessary if it has been replaced at some point already. Check your vehicle's repair history.