Pontiac Repair: 1997 pontiac sunfire 2.2.L, 1997 pontiac sunfire, pontiac sunfire

Question
I have a 1997 pontiac sunfire 2.2L ( have been told has a differnt engine but have been unable to locate exact model) it has had a "ticking" noise the past couple months. I have had a mechanic listen and they said it was not my motor knocking it sounded possbly as if it was my timing chain. he said not to worry it could last another year or so if that was the problem. the other day i was starting from a red light and the car "died" on me, and would not restart. it will try to start but has a higher pitched start turn over than what it normally does ( i know my car well) The spark plugs are firing the fuel pump is kicking on, i am wondering if by this description i can be able to tell if it is my timing chain?

Answer
Hi Melissa:
Yes it sounds like it could be a timing chain either jumped or broke. hopefully iy just jumped time and didn't break. If the chain breaks on these engines it bends valves and becomes an expensive repair and on a car that is 15 years old you need to weigh your options. I would do a compression test on this and see what you have across the oard on all 4 cylinders. I want to say those engine have between 135-150 PSI of compression but don't quote me on that. If you have far less You found the issue Or if you have 135 on 1 cylinder and 50 on another it either jumped time or bent some valves :(. Timing chain issues with that vinatge engine were pretty common especially if the maintence was not kept up. Sludge in the engine starves the chain for oil and then it eventually wears stretches out and or breaks. good luck :-}