car broke down 3 days after buying it. Had it towed to garage it was bought from. Broken camshaft. Very rare says mechanic. new/used put in and ran fine for week. daughter said it ran out of gas so she put a few gallons in and said it wouldn't start. seems like same conditions as broke camshaft. getting fuel. very frustrated

Wow, I have never heard of a camshaft breaking in two before. Though it is not impossible, you have a better chance of winning the lottery than ever experiencing such an engine failure. Maybe its time for you to play your lucky numbers.

Right now, I am in the middle of doing a valve job on the 2.5L four in my 1991 Dodge Shadow. Now, I am a "do-it-yourself'er" who now refuses to pay someone to do the things that I can do myself. This repair has included replacement of the camshaft in my engine, so this gives me a little insight into what is going on with your car. Now, what you have told us has left me with a whole bunch of questions and a lot of comments to share.

When the mechanic replaced the broken camshaft, did he return the broken one to you? I personally would not believe a "broken camshaft" story without seeing it for myself. Something as simple as a broken rubber timing belt can mimic the same symptoms as a broken camshaft. Timing belt replacement is cheaper and easier than replacing a camshaft and a common problem with these engines if the belt is not replaced as a preventative measure. Also, the 2.5L four is a "non-interference" engine. This means, that when you break a timing belt while driving, the valves left open will not contact the moving pistons. Replacement of the valves and head are not required if the timing belt breaks in these cars, unlike a Honda. Just install a new belt and you're on your way. I know this firsthand, because I broke the timing belt in my engine a year and a half and 13,000 miles ago. The reason for my valve job is unrelated to the broken timing belt.

When the mechanic replaced the broken camshaft, did he remove the cylinder head, replace the cam followers, lifters and timing belt at the same time? The 2.5L four is an "overhead cam" engine. It is physically possible to replace the camshaft without pulling the cylinder head off the remainder of the engine. But in order to replace the camshaft, the mechanic would of had to have removed the timing belt from the camshaft gear. At a bare minimum, he should have replaced the timing belt with this repair since he had to remove it to begin with. Also, replacement camshafts are sold in a kit with new followers and lifters. So all should have been replaced at the same time. And, if you are going this far with the cylinder head, it makes good sense to remove the head and have the remainder of the valve train inspected and rebuilt at the same time. Now, if your mechanic just replaced the camshaft alone, with a used unit, and he didn't pull the cylinder head or replace any of the other parts I listed above, then he either told you a lie about the broken camshaft or he is not an ethical mechanic.

How do you know that your engine is now getting fuel since your daughter ran it out of gas? The fuel is pumped to the engine by the electric fuel pump in the tank. Letting these cars run out of gas is a "no-no". If you let the tank run dry, you run the risk of destroying the fuel pump. The only way I know how to verify fuel delivery to the engine is to connect a pressure gauge to the pressure port on the fuel rail and see if you have pressure. It is also a good idea to check to see if you have spark in your ignition system. And given the history, you should pull the valve cover off, crank the starter and see if the camshaft moves.

It is very difficult to acurately diagnose an engine problem over the computer. Hopefully, I have given you enough information the point you and your mechanic in the right direction. Let us know what you find out and what you do.

Broken camshafts are not really that rare. I work at an engine rebuilding plant and we see them everyday upon dissassembly.

I think it just jumped timing.

Lots of good questions kmaniac. first the recent problem was a bad injector at the throttle body. I already knew it was getting fuel before the throttle body. Mechanic only charged me for the tow to his garage (30 dollars about 5 miles). Regarding the camshaft he replaced the broken camshaft with a used one from his salvage yard and I did see the old one. he only charged 200 for that. I've used this mechanic for 10 years now and have bought 2 cars from him. There really is nothing better than having complete trust with some one you do business with. The dodge was recommended by him because one of his mechanic employees had gone through the motor and replaced allkinds of stuff. Rings, cv joints, new timing belt, tires. Clean body and interior. I must admit after my daughter had the first problem I was a little worried but after he fixed it as reasonable as he did I knew he would do what he could to make it right. Thanks for the reply amstilost

I currently own a 92 dodge spirit 2.5 L and the cam shaft broke into. The machanic I deal with told me I had to replace the engine...I got the car towed home order a cam shaft and replaced the cam shaft in about 2.5 hrs. The car started on the first turn of the Key...I had to get my timming tweak but that was no big deal. I have been driving the car for three years now without a hitch until recently. I too have been experiencing my car overheating... anybody have any thoughts on the cause.

Well, I guess broken camshafts in a 2.5L are more common than I thought.

Your experience just goes to show you that some mechanics are either ignorant or will lie through their teeth to extract a buck from an unsuspecting car owner.

You say your car is overheating. Search this forum for my thread on "1991 Dodge Shadow Cooling System Issues" to read my experience with overheating. You could have a leaking cooling system that is low on coolant, or a bad thermostat or maybe a cracked head like I had.

Anyway, thanks for the comments and let us know if you have any questions.

these cars have a problem with that when they heat up. or dont have enough oil. Ive had it happen...and I know someone whos had it happen.