Died while running, will not restart

[ngoma]

Problem: Engine died dead while running and will not restart.

Do not crank the engine excessively until you have confirmed the status of the timing belts. Before doing anything else, you need to confirm BOTH of the following in this order:

1) REAR BELT IS INTACT (present, no stripped teeth, not excessively loose)
2) REAR BELT TURNS WHEN THE ENGINE IS BEING CRANKED

The first question checks that the camshaft is able to turn the injection pump. The second is an indirect check of the front timing belt and the crank and cam sprockets by seeing if the crankshaft can turn the camshaft. [We will all cross our fingers that you answer "yes" on that one.]

These are both simple visual checks that require no tools or disassembly. The rear belt is visible in plain sight even when its cover is installed (assuming the belt is still there of course).

WHY is this important? D24 engine is an interference engine, meaning the valves and pistons will smash into each other unless the crankshaft and camshaft are properly timed to each other, or close to spec. If the timing belt breaks or the crankshaft TB pulley comes loose (happens if it has not been tightened sufficiently) the pistons and valves will smash into each other, often breaking the camshaft in one or more places. The crankshaft will turn while cranking but the camshaft is no longer connected and the rear camshaft pulley (and belt) will no longer be turning.