Daughter lost power, loosing power steering and power brakes, missing corner and going off road. She says it was making "noise" before it stopped, and she knows it needs oil.  When she tries to restart it it turns over but makes a terrible clanking noise and won't run. I did some checking and found the timing belt intact, both cylinders moving back and forth like they should, no loose pulleys, no oil on dipstick. any ideas on what is broken/

Daughter lost power, loosing power steering and power brakes, missing corner and going off road. She says it was making "noise" before it stopped, and she knows it needs oil.  When she tries to restart it it turns over but makes a terrible clanking noise and won't run. I did some checking and found the timing belt intact, both cylinders moving back and forth like they should, no loose pulleys, no oil on dipstick. any ideas on what is broken/

Both cylinders on the passenger side move, sounds like clanking noise is coming from that side of engine

Sounds like spun rod bearing from very low oil, does oil light come on a lot?

"needs oil" <> the Light doesn't tell you it's low and to add some like newer models. It means (usually) you're OUT of oil.

 

rod bearing>sound likely rod trying to escape the block.

 

new(er) engine likely needed.

timing can slip and the belt will look fine - often an idler will seize and then throw or break a belt.

 

crank pulleys can separate, she would lose power steering....but the sound is unlikely to be described as clanking.

 

if the engine stops running, you get one or 2 uses of the brake booster before brakes are un-powered.

 

timing needs to be confirmed by a knowledgeable person. Compression test will find bent valves, maybe borescope look at the top of the pistons....???

 

oil analysis can find xtra metals - pointing to a failed rod or other bearing.

 

How much oil was in it?  How long since timing belt service?

Edited February 5, 20188 yr by 1 Lucky Texan