2000 Metro question of questions

After a weekend of no driving, I tried to start my 2000 Metro this morning. It fired once, then made only a "spinning" noise. The crankshaft was turning. (Eliminate the starter). The sound was what I would expect to hear from open valves, like no compression. (suspect timing belt). I took off everything to replace the timing belt, and discovered that it was NOT broken. Actually, it looks fairly new. The marks lined up, so it didn't "jump". I figured I should put it back together and look elsewhere. Having it all done, I tried to start it again. The same no compression spinning noise, with a bit of firing here and there. Then it started right up and ran just fine. I drove it all day with no trouble. It all seems like a bad dream that cost me a bunch of time learning how to get to a timing belt. WHAT WAS IT??? I suspected lack of spark, so I tested my theory by pulling the plugs to the coils. Of course it wouldn't start, but the noise is normal when cranking it. I now have to wonder when it might do it again. Any ideas what could cause this??? My only theory is that maybe some of the valves were stuck open, which is farfetched. This also doesn't make the future of this engine very bright.

Mike B.

If the belt looks new, maybe it broke on the previous owner. Could have bent some valves. Valves do have a tendancy to spin in their seats. It could have a pattern worn into the valve seat where they will seal if they seat in a specific place. Kinda far fetched though. Next time it does that, check your compression on all the cylinders.

Mike:
Reserve the cables pulling test for the next time you get the problem. I would recommend also checking rotor and distributor cap just to see if there is everything ok with them.

Hope this helps you.

MC.

Going out on a limb here, but you may have just had some air in your fuel lines. I had that happen once and it caused the same symptoms you described.