Last night my 2001 TL died. The lights flickered a couple of times and then the car just died on me. It turns over but is not firing. Have a new batter on it and still no help as I though it may have been the alternator. I am thinking it might be the main relay, as it has 217,000 miles on it. Please help!

 

It was the timing belt

 

Im guessing the `every 105` timing belt job wasnt done at 210?

now that you cranked the engine over its toast
valves are bent--thats what happens to us

a used engine is ok from junkyard

 

Please keep us posted with a progress report as to any damage incurred. Did you have any runability issues or other clues before it apparently died quietly ? Your misfortunate situation could greatly help warn others of the dangers involved in not knowing the maintenance or in some cases just taking the risk of negligence. Thanks for any input ! A lesson hard learnt, but good luck !

 

was the timing belt EVER replaced
or did you get 200+ off the original

 

I'd be curious also if the timing belt was ever replaced.

 

Yes the timing belt had been replaced but the water pump apparently had not. The pump was leaking on the belt which caused the issue. We pulled the engine apart and luckily my engine is ok. Valves are in great shape with no damage. I have replaced the water pump and timing belt. I have already cranked the car to check it out and it fired up. I was at a stop light when the belt broke so I think that is what helped save the engine, although I have heard that Acuras are pretty good about surviving a broken timing belt. It's definitely a time consuming repair and I do not recommend it. I have only had the car 5 months and I love it, but always make sure that the water pump is replaced at the same time as the timing belt. It's not that expensive of a part and it's stupid not to change them together.

 

they are supposed to be done together
someone went cheap
didnt replace any belt tensioners either did they!

amazing no exhaust valve damage,,usually at least 2 get bent
run a compression test to verify all is well in each cylinder

the TL engine is well known as `interferance type` meaning zero room for things open= hit piston top and bend valve stem,
and dislike carbon buildup

 

Well the TL is back on the road! All valves and pistons were in perfect shape! I replaced the water pump and the timing belt and the car came back to life. It runs better than ever. I don't know that I could be happier with a car that has over 217,000 miles and survives a snapped timing belt and faulty water pump. It's a beast of an engine.

 

While the TL may have a very strong motor, it's not indestructible if neglected. You beat the odds with yours, consider yourself lucky and very fortunate that the motor did'nt suffer more serious results from a broken T-belt. It's not something that you want people thinking that they can survive such a scenario as yours with the same results.