Engine died at 70MPH, won't start
#1
Engine died at 70MPH, won't start
While driving home from work my engine suddenly died. Here's what happened. I have a 2004 XJ8 with 44,000 miles. My office is about a mile from the highway. I turned the car on and drove to the highway. I got on the highway, maneuvered past some slow traffic and reached about 70MPH and was holding it when I heard a whoompf sound and the nose of the car dropped. It was a weird sound - not a thump or a bang, but more like the air rushing out of a tire. I thought I had a flat so I started driving to the shoulder. I hit the gas and the car barely responded. By the time I got to the shoulder the battery light came on and the engine was dead.
I tried to get it to start and the first two times it barely turned over as if the battery was very low. After a few tries it started to turn faster but only sputtered roughly and never held an idle.
It's now sitting at the dealer waiting an inspection.
I've searched around but can't find anyone similar to this.
Does anyone have an idea of what it could be?
I'd appreciate the group's insight.
I tried to get it to start and the first two times it barely turned over as if the battery was very low. After a few tries it started to turn faster but only sputtered roughly and never held an idle.
It's now sitting at the dealer waiting an inspection.
I've searched around but can't find anyone similar to this.
Does anyone have an idea of what it could be?
I'd appreciate the group's insight.
#4
RE: Engine died at 70MPH, won't start
I think the nose dropped due to the engine loosing power. The suspension didn't feel any different. I didn't notice the tach until I pulled over but I suspect that the engine had completely shut down at that point.
As soon as I hear from the dealer, I add a new post.
As soon as I hear from the dealer, I add a new post.
#7
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Pompino Beach , FL
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 0
Received 39 Likes
on
35 Posts
Trending Topics
#9
RE: Engine died at 70MPH, won't start
Spoke with the dealer. His first question was asking if I have an extended warranty. Not a good sign.
He said they need to tear the engine down to make sure it is what they are thinking, but he believes the timing chain on the number 2 bank broke. And if it did, he said that isn't good.
I just bought the car three weeks ago and I did take out a Ford ESP extended warranty with it.
I hope this doesn't become a huge fight or hassle.
Has anyone else heard of this happening? It only has 44,000 miles on it.
He said they need to tear the engine down to make sure it is what they are thinking, but he believes the timing chain on the number 2 bank broke. And if it did, he said that isn't good.
I just bought the car three weeks ago and I did take out a Ford ESP extended warranty with it.
I hope this doesn't become a huge fight or hassle.
Has anyone else heard of this happening? It only has 44,000 miles on it.
#12
RE: Engine died at 70MPH, won't start
Turns out the chain tensioner gave way.
They pulled the valve covers and found metal shavings everywhere. They were to pull the heads today to see how far the damage went and the technician believes the engine is gone and will need to be replaced. He is also 99% sure the extended warranty will cover the engine replacement.
Tomorrow I'll have the full details on the extent of the damage and if the warranty covers it. I'll try to get some pictures of it too while they have it opened up.
They pulled the valve covers and found metal shavings everywhere. They were to pull the heads today to see how far the damage went and the technician believes the engine is gone and will need to be replaced. He is also 99% sure the extended warranty will cover the engine replacement.
Tomorrow I'll have the full details on the extent of the damage and if the warranty covers it. I'll try to get some pictures of it too while they have it opened up.
#15
#16
RE: Engine died at 70MPH, won't start
What are the indicators that a tensioner is starting to fail on this engine? I didn't hear or feel a thing. No ticking, clunking, squeeling. It just seems like it went.
I've only owned it for three weeks and 850 miles. The maintenance records indicate that it had regular oil changes.
Are there any indicators?
I've only owned it for three weeks and 850 miles. The maintenance records indicate that it had regular oil changes.
Are there any indicators?
#18
RE: Engine died at 70MPH, won't start
Finally got to see the engine torn apart. Looks like a cam bearing seized and cause all the problems. Engine had oil and was maintained by the dealer who has it now.
Some photos are below.
The adjuster for the warranty company comes out Monday or Tuesday. When the adjuster is there they will finally drop the oil pan and see what's in the oil. I spoke at length with the mechanic and at this point he said it is a 50/50 call to either rebuild the engine or drop in a new one. He said it is definitely rebuildable but would take a tremendous amount of time. Dropping a new one would be easier and faster. Cost is about the same. Hopefully the adjuster will agree to just drop a new on in.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u...j/IMG_3806.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u...j/IMG_3808.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u...j/IMG_3811.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u...j/IMG_3805.jpg
Some photos are below.
The adjuster for the warranty company comes out Monday or Tuesday. When the adjuster is there they will finally drop the oil pan and see what's in the oil. I spoke at length with the mechanic and at this point he said it is a 50/50 call to either rebuild the engine or drop in a new one. He said it is definitely rebuildable but would take a tremendous amount of time. Dropping a new one would be easier and faster. Cost is about the same. Hopefully the adjuster will agree to just drop a new on in.
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u...j/IMG_3806.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u...j/IMG_3808.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u...j/IMG_3811.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u...j/IMG_3805.jpg
#20
RE: Engine died at 70MPH, won't start
My draw dropped when I walked in and saw just how much was disassembled in order to get it to this point. The entire exhaust - from the header to the tail pipes - was laying against the wall. One giant X. Parts everywhere. My car has its own corner of their shop.
Must say, so far I'm quite impressed with the dealer. Very helpful. Very patient with my questions.
Must say, so far I'm quite impressed with the dealer. Very helpful. Very patient with my questions.