[456ore_dr]

I have a 2001 Hyundai Trajet V6. I started it and it starts and runs fine for 3 seconds, then it dies with a brief screeching sound. When I tried to restart the engine, the starter sounds so smooth which makes me think the engine has no compression. Does anyone know what the cause could be? Like a snapped timing belt, or something?

Here's a video of me trying to start the car:

 

[LLigetfa]

Like a snapped timing belt...

A snapped timing belt would not run for even 3 seconds.
How is the oil level? Air in the oil lines could disable the valve lifters.

 

[grcauto]

Put a gauge on it.

 

[avisitor]

Open valve cover or oil cap on valve cover
Shine a light and crank engine
If the valves are not moving then timing belt

 

[charlescrown]

Sounds fine to me. Look elsewhere for your problem.

 

[456ore_dr]

Sounds fine to me. Look elsewhere for your problem.

Thanks, apparently the spark plug was dirty which caused the engine to stop after starting it, then the engine flooded as I kept trying to crank it. Only 3 of the spark plugs were cleaned because the back ones were too hard to access, but it will be cleaned out in the future.

As for the starter, apparently it always sounded like that.

 

[charlescrown]

Excess fuel washes the thin film of oil from the bore and the engine looses compression and sometimes won't start. I have struck that so many times. It's a simple matter of getting a couple of drops of oil down the plug holes (those you can get to) and they usually start up and run fine after a few minutes.