Hi all,

 

I'm looking for a heads up with my GL.

On my way home on a very hot day today. Engine knocking/pinging like it dies when it's really hot.

Engine shudders and loses power then dies as I attempt to pass a trucker.

When I turn the engine over it's really lumpy.

I think it's a timing belt that's slipped but too dangerous on this busy road to diagnose.

I don't run with timing covers and have done this fix roadside before but far too dangerous today.

Wrecker is hooking me up now to get me home but thought I'd get a head start on the fix.

Any thoughts? Am I way off base with the timing belt slip?

Thanks for the help all!

 

Marko

I thought I'd add that this is the first time this wonderful car has failed to get me to my destination.

Long live my GL wagon!

As I suspected I threw the drivers side timing belt.

First time I've ever needed a tow!

 

One thing is confusing me though. I had my hazard lights on for maybe an hour and noticed that the fronts were not blinking. When I shut off the car the front marker lights stayed on. I had to pull the battery cable.

 

This is the first sign of electrical weirdness I've ever had in this car.

 

Has anyone come across these symptoms before?

"Newbie" switch on top of the steering column?

Spent an hour today after work and replaced my timing belts.

It helps when you don't have belt covers.

I do notice a different sound under the hood now. A high pitched whine that's barely noticeable.

I don't recall this ever happening before. I wonder if it's just the new belts breaking in?

 

And, yes, it was the noobie switch. U couldnt see the rear lights on when i first noticed it. I was rushing to an appointment.

I must have bumped it as I climbed out of the passenger window when I broke down. I haven't even touched that switch for maybe 10 years. Kinda forgot it was even there.

I don't remember it overriding the hazard lights though.

 

Overall, I'm pleased with how it all worked out.

how are the bearings? one of your tensioners/idlers may be failing, causing the whine, and the old belt to break.

I used a stethoscope to check the tensioners and both sounded the same(ish)

Unlikely that both would fail at the same time.

I sprayed some silicone lube on the belts and noticed an immediate improvement. then, during a short test drive the sound returned. I think there will be a break in period on the belts. (I hope)

None the less, I love the ea82. No bent valves and an hour to change the two belts!

The body will fall off of this car before the drive-train dies.

Now to find a new GL wagon body!

 

Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

Marko

get an Ebay kit, they're awesome. only $60-$80 for both belts and all pulleys. replacing just the belts is really silly on an engine this old.