I bought this 1996 Sunfire 5-speed for $300 from my buddy. He said it just died on him. It gets spark on the 4th cylinder. I didnt check 3,2, or 1. It gets gas, the ends of the plugs get wet when cycling the key, and you can head the fuel pump running for a few seconds every time the key is cycled. I left the plugs out, and turned it over, and blew everything out of the cylinders(looked like some black soot). I re-grounded the body ground, as it was rusted off of the battery tray.
I swapped ALL of the following parts from a 1996 Cavi 5-speed that ran when the parts were pulled, so i know they are good, and the parts WERE compatable:
ICM, both coils, spark plugs & wires, Crankshaft position sensor, NEW camshaft position sensor, IAC valve, TPS, MAP sensor
I am COMPLETELY confused. The last thing i think it could be, is a broken timing chain....I'm really hoping it isnt that. Is there any way to tell if its a broken timing chain without lowering the motor some, and removing the timing chain cover? Any help, or suggestions will be greatly appreciated, as i am baffled.
![](http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff474/kaseyflogel/12043096_1144985625530666_5961197435454643178_n2222222222.jpg)
"If I'm not back in 5 minutes...just wait longer"
I took the valve cover off, and turned it over. The rocker arms weren't moving at all. Sooo, that means the timing chain is broke...right? And if it is, can i use the same head and all from it if i replace the timing chain? I have another 1996 motor with lower miles with a new timing chain, but bad rod. So if i needed, i could take the head and chain off of that motor, and put it in the sunfire. So, would it be that easy? Just swap the head, and timing chain?
![](http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff474/kaseyflogel/12043096_1144985625530666_5961197435454643178_n2222222222.jpg)
"If I'm not back in 5 minutes...just wait longer"
Why not just keep the head on and buy a new timing chain?
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1997 Chevy Cavalier with 275K miles