QuestionI have a 90 eclipse 2.0 GSX, manual. I can not get my engine to turn over. I took off the valve conver and saw that when I turned the key that the crankshaft was moving and so were all of the valves. I replaced the spark plugs but still nothing happened. Is there anything that you can think of that may be wrong. Also will the car start if there is a belt missing on the side of the engine.
AnswerBill,
There are 5 belts on the side of your engine. They are the alternator belt (AB), power steering belt (PSB), A/C belt (ACB), timing belt (TB) and the balance belt (BB).
The TB and BB are the most critical belts, and your valves would not move at all if the TB was missing. If fact, if the TB was missing, the pistons would smash into your valve, and you'd essentially destroy your engine. The BB cannot be seen without removing a majority of the front of your engine. But the drives belts are your AB, PSB, and ACB. Your car can run without the PSB and without the ACB; though your A/C would not work and you would loose your power steering. But if the AB was missing, the car will not start at all. The alternator is responsible for providing the power needed to provide spark to your spark plugs and ignite the fuel mixture in your cylinders to keep the engine running. If the AB is missing, your plugs will not fire and your engine will not run. But if your engine won't even make a sound when you turn the key, or the noise is very weak, you may have a bad starter motor, or your battery is too weak. Check out all those items if you're able to; otherwise, you'll need to have your car towed to a mechanic.
If you need to have your car towed, be 100% clear to the towing company that you'll need a flat bed tow truck. Since you have an AWD car, all 4 wheels must be off the ground in order to tow it. If they only tow with two wheels off the ground, you will ruin your drivetrain.
Good luck!
