Eric, before you conclude that the timing gear jumped a tooth and is responsible for the engine dying, why don't you try the more usual (and easy to repair) factors first. Is there fuel? Is there spark? Drop a small quantity of gas in the carb, and crank it. If it tries to fire up, may be you have a fue problem. (are there any gasoline smells coming from the carb whith the air cleaner off? Any fuel squarting when you pump the throttle linkage by hand?). If that turns out negative (fuel delivary OK) try spark. Remove a sparkplug and with the plug wire on it, put the plug on a metal part of the car to get it grounded. Then crank, and observe for spark. This is easier done at night. Does 72 year model have electronic ignition? These are known to die w/out warning. D^2 Quoting Eric <gearhead@xxxxxxxxxxx>: > Hi all, I think the list jinxed my Newport ;-) (Paul, didn't u > start this thread? Hrrphmft!) > Coming off the freeway last night, motor died, cranks kinda funky, no start. > 143k on this 440. I guess I'll add "Timing Chain R&R" to the "Torqueflite > R&R" @ 125k regular maintenance list. > > My question on the subject: with my 1972, 8.2 compression 440, what are the > chances there could be piston to valve interference? No noises accompanied > this event, whew! > > Thanks. > Eric > '63 Crown Four-Door > '72 Newport Custom Sedan > > >