2001 GS Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Timing Belt

[Nandy]

The car stop working today. The gf says it was ruining and then just died. When I made it to the car and had the car turn over I could see that the rocker arms were not moving. Now, I research it and many people say it is an intrusive motor. I also read many post where the timing belt breaks but no valves are broken.... So, those of you with experience with this car and similar situation, does it mess the valves and pistons or not???
I rather not go taking the head in this car unless I have to...
Thanks!

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: 2001 GS Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Timing Belt

While i dont have one or have ever worked on one... id replace the belt and then do a compression test. That will tell all right there. either way you need a new belt....

 

[dolluper]

Re: 2001 GS Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Timing Belt

The valves don't move hummmm why/// they are not connected to to crank ...broken belt...time to get dirty and get it done quit playin around rip the cover off and replace the belt...what else do you have to do this weekend LOL's

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: 2001 GS Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Timing Belt

The valves don't move hummmm why/// they are not connected to to crank ...broken belt...time to get dirty and get it done quit playin around rip the cover off and replace the belt...what else do you have to do this weekend LOL's

The question he is asking is whether this engine is a "free-wheeler" or not...he knows the timing belt is toast.
If it has taken out some pistons and valves, the timing belt is a waste of money....just put the $$ into a new/rebuilt/used engine.

The 3.0 L is I believe a freewheeler, not sure about the 2.4 L.
Year also makes a difference.

 

[wright brothers]

Re: 2001 GS Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Timing Belt

I did ONE 3.0 Mitz. V6, It was a "96

I don't know if free wheeler as the ONE I did was not broken just whipped. As I remember it turned over fine with belt removed, no valve to piston issue. If keeping this auto no waste of money buying a belt as they all need timing belts and if you do head you will want new belt.

It had twin OH cams. Aligning them was like leading a flying goose with a BB gun. Took awhile but I got it. There is a special tool for this, see if you can rent it.

I changed water pump while in there, foolish not too. Also changed that O-ring on coolant tube, you'll see it if you go for the water pump.

Job wasn't too bad, aligning cams was hardest part. Timing marks were obvious.

Fuel injectors were problematic on that beast also. Fuel system clean by a good tech may be money well spent, after you get it back together.

This was on a 96 3.0 Mitz.

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: 2001 GS Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Timing Belt

That car has the 'interference engine" If the belt broke while the engine was running something else is more than likely now broken other than just the belt. Those belts have to be replaced at around 60 k I think. The only thing you can do now if you dont want to open up the engine is to install a new belt in the correct position and do the compression test like the other poster said..If the pistons hit the exhaust valves the engine is now a boat anchor...

 

[Nandy]

Re: 2001 GS Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Timing Belt

Started to take the car apart today. I had only one hour but made some headways. I took the shredded timing belt out. A few more brackets and covers and I should be able to put the new one in. Gf wants me to tag along with her tomorrow instead of workin in the car... Well, is her car... Will let you guys know what I find after I put the belt. Anyone has an idea what type of compresson I should be seeing? I guess in the 125?

 

[Nandy]

Re: 2001 GS Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Timing Belt

Anyone?

 

[cheburashka]

Re: 2001 GS Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Timing Belt

If it gets any compression at all then it probably wasn't a non-interference engine. My bet is you'll get zero compression on at least one cylinder. 125 seems low, but remember you're looking for consistency rather than high numbers. If they're all 125 then it should run OK.

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: 2001 GS Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Timing Belt

What engine? Spyder's came with a 2.4 4 cyl. and a 3.0 6 cyl.

2.4 IS NOT a interference engine. 3.0 IS.

Compression:
2.4 normal is 185, min. is 139. 3.0 normal is 174, min. 129
Maximum variation 15 lbs.

 

[Nandy]

Re: 2001 GS Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Timing Belt

I believe this is the 2.0 non turbo 16 valve motor sohc.

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: 2001 GS Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Timing Belt

The info I'm posting is coming from a Mitchell manual.

They do not show a 2.0 in '01. Eighth digit of VIN
indentifies the engine. 2.4 sohc is a "G". Tenth digit
indentifies year. 2001 is a "1"

 

[Nandy]

Re: 2001 GS Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Timing Belt

You are correct, it is the 2.4. I got it all out clean and the belt is in place but not set yet. I guess I will know the damages tomorrow...

 

[Nandy]

Re: 2001 GS Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Timing Belt

Put it back, cylinder 1 and 3 have no compression. 2 and 4 has around 190. I will take the motor appart tomorrow. Valves are like $17 each so that is not bad. I have to price the pistons. Hopefully those wont have to be replaced... we shall see...

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: 2001 GS Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Timing Belt

Bummer and oops. My Napa timing parts book does not show that
engine being an interference design but my Motor timing belt replacement
guide does.

If the engine was NOT at high rpm's the pistons should be ok. Most of the
time the valves bend just enough to where they won't seal. While the head
is off it would be $$ well spent to have a competent machine shop check
it out. At the very least you want to have it resurfaced to make sure it
is flat.

Good luck.

 

[Nandy]

Re: 2001 GS Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Timing Belt

So after much delay I was able to work in the car today. I got the cylinder head out and did not see much havoc. All 4 pistons have intake manifold valve marks, they all look the same, however, only cylinder 1 and 3 had low pressure. No marks from the exhaust manifold valves. I check the intake valves and I could not see any damage so Im not sure what I have in my hands right now. I have never run into a bent valve issue before. I wonder if a machine shop can tell how bad are they bent and if it is possible for them to fix them. I know the final answer will come from the shop itself but I want to know if that is possible before I start asking. The marks in the pistons are so small that I have no plans on changing those.
These photos are from cylinder 1. I know the quality is not too good but is all I have at the time.

 

[DECK SWABBER 58]

Re: 2001 GS Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Timing Belt

The machine shop will easily be able to tell if they are bent.
They will chuck them up in their valve grinding machine and
see if they wobble. It does not take much of a bend for the
valve not to seal. You wouldn't necessarily see it just by looking
at the valve.

Clean all that carbon off the tops of the pistons before going
back together.

 

[Nandy]

Re: 2001 GS Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Timing Belt

$300 labor from the Machine shop to remove, hone and install new valves, make sure the head is not leaking and shaving it.
$90 for the master cyl head gasket kit
$80 for new intake valves ( exhaust valves never hit the pistons(
$30 for new cyl head bolts
I still need to find the balancer belt but it looks like it will be around the $500 or I can just go to pull a part this weekend and get a full cyl head for $40.... I think im doing the last....

 

[Nandy]

Re: 2001 GS Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Timing Belt

The more I think about it the more I question the machine shop. I have done many valve jobs in my life. The cyl head did not overheated so there is no reason it should be warped. Im going to skip the machine shop and do the valve job myself. Put the head back in it, put it back on timing and check for pressure. If I get good readings then im closing the motor, if not I will take it to the shop and spend the extra 300 that I dont really have now... I would just get the head from another motor but this head is super clean, I doubt I will find one like that at the junk yard and besides it will be just $40 more... That I can afford...

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: 2001 GS Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder Timing Belt

The more I think about it the more I question the machine shop. I have done many valve jobs in my life. The cyl head did not overheated so there is no reason it should be warped. Im going to skip the machine shop and do the valve job myself. Put the head back in it, put it back on timing and check for pressure. If I get good readings then im closing the motor, if not I will take it to the shop and spend the extra 300 that I dont really have now... I would just get the head from another motor but this head is super clean, I doubt I will find one like that at the junk yard and besides it will be just $40 more... That I can afford...

If you are doing it yourself, do yourself a favour and replace the exhaust valves as well. While it is opened up it is worth doing.

You could get a piece of glass and lap the head....especially iif you don't think it is out much or at all.