Car won't start

[kiko hawaii]

New to this site. Been cruising the forum seeking for answers. I have a 1991 Q45 with over 200000 miles on it . I'm probably the 3rd 0r 4th owner don't know the car's history. Anyway my problem is the car won't start it cranks and turns over but won't start. It did start the first after I let it sit for a day. but it was missing like hell. Been running good but not 100% before this happened.By reading the forum, it looks like the timing chain guide . Also I can smell gas when I crank it.Pls help. Thanks, Kiko.

[GseaQ]

Hi Kiko,

Welcome. Was it running and then suddenly just shut off? Or was it running OK and then started to run rough and become hard to start?

The smell of gas is primarily a symptom of one or more injectors leaking gas into the cylinder - actually, as I just went through, the injector lower o-ring. This will make the engine run rough and hard to start depending on the severity and how many are leaking. Also, the fuel hoses that attach to the fuel rail(s) have a habit of leaking, too.

It could also be the MAF connector, too. If so, that's an easy fix.

HOWEVER, as you don't know the history, it'd be best if you didn't attempt to start it anymore until you can confirm the timing chain guides haven't failed and made the chain jump a tooth. The front of the engine has to come apart to confirm this so you'll be able to see then if the guides have been replaced or not. If you find the chain has not jumped, but the guides have not yet been changed, do them BEFORE you put it back together.

After the guide issue is sorted (assuming the chain did not jump), check the resistance of the injectors and knock sensors. If the engine is still good, replace the o-rings on the injectors. May as well replace the knock sensors while you're at it to save duplicating a lot of labour.

Then you can try to start it again and take it from there.

I don't mean to overwhelm you, but the guide thing really is a serious issue.

Good luck,Glenn

[kiko hawaii]

I drove the car to work that day, parked and nothing unusual happened. When I was about to leave that afternoon, that's when the car won' start anymore. I let it sat overnight at my workplace then tried to startit again the afternoon of the next day. The engine started after maybe 5 or 6 cranks but sounded like only 2 cylinders were firing. I tried cranking it again but can't get it started. Then I remembered about the timing chain problem I had with my Olds 442 . It sounded like it to me. That's when I came to this site.I know about the MAF sensor, well actually it was my son who helped me with it. ( Is it the square thing after the air filter?) I'm from the old school don't know to much about ECU's MAF'S etc. just old school Chevy V8s.Well anyway the Q wont start one day and my son was home, he just pulled the connector, cleaned the contacts put it back and voila! it started right away.So back to my problem, so you recommend that I open the front of the engine to check the chain guide and replace if necessary, will do that prob this weekend. How do I check if the chain jumped? Thanks again,KIKO

[maxnix]

Try a search of timing chain guides in the archived post bodies on this forum. There is a ton of discussion and even some pictures.

Get your parts from

http://www.infinitipartsusa.com

Call them with your VIN

Best to replace tensioners and oil pump chain also. Realize you must account for the entire guides so you know none of the pieces are in the sump.

Good luck.