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98 Voyager wont start


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oldskool
Novice

Dec 28, 2008, 1:35 PM

Post #1 of 9 (3288 views)
98 Voyager wont start Sign In

1998 Plymouth Voyager
2.4 liter, 128,000 miles

Van had been running then parked for a couple hours went to start and would just turn over and not run. I have fuel pressure and all spark plugs are firing. I have checked map,tps,coolant,iat and crank sensor and all seem fine. I have a scanner and it does not have any codes stored. I also noticed I could smell gas out of the tailpipe in the garage when trying to start it. I don't know what else to check. The van isn't mine but an elderly couple we know and they said this had happened one time before about six to nine months ago but it would finally start after several attempts and I'm just trying to help them out. Thanks


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Dec 28, 2008, 1:56 PM

Post #2 of 9 (3287 views)
Re: 98 Voyager wont start Sign In

Sounds as though it is badly flooded. Pull the spark plugs and either dry them or replace them if they are fouled. If you have spark to the plugs, then the crank sensor is okay. Don't see too many problems with the CTS on Chrysler products, but...Can you take a fuel pressure reading? (faulty regulator?). I've seen MAP problems with Chrys. products, but not that late of a model. Have you tried clear flooding, yet? Not common, but are you getting a good, hot (blue-ish) spark to the plugs (weak coil)? Just some thoughts...
Loren
SW Washington


oldskool
Novice

Dec 28, 2008, 2:07 PM

Post #3 of 9 (3286 views)
Re: 98 Voyager wont start Sign In

I have taken spark plugs out and cleaned them but it didn't help. I don't have a fuel pressure gauge to check but did insert a screwdriver at test port and it shot out fuel so I assumed pressure was good. I don't know what you mean on clear flooding? Spark is orange to red I believe and I checked coil with multimeter and it was within specs of book but who knows. Thanks


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Dec 28, 2008, 2:21 PM

Post #4 of 9 (3279 views)
Re: 98 Voyager wont start Sign In

Clear flooding is the same as with the old carb. engines. With the throttle wide open during crank, the fuel is stopped and (obviously) a lot of air is allowed into the intake. Pumping the throttle on fuel injected engines does nothing. The pressure is a constant, unlike carburetors which require a couple of pumps of the throttle to 'squirt' fuel into the venturi. If the engine tries to fire, start backing off of the throttle as it 'cleans' it's thoat. Since you are smelling fuel, my concern was too much fuel pressure (faulty pressure regulator) which isn't common on that system, but possible. You should have a bright bluish tint spark, that can easliy jump 3/8" and produce 40K volts.
If the cylinders are heavily fuel washed, you may not have enough compression to get it started. Smell the oil on the dipstick. Does it smell like fuel? Try squirting a couple of pumps of oil into each cylinder, disable the ignition, and crank the engine over a few times; Reinstall the plugs, reconnect the ignition, then try starting again. If it starts, it'll probably smoke for a few minutes while the oil is burning off in the cylinders. However, this won't address the original cause. And, the oil and filter should be changed due to fuel contamination.
Loren
SW Washington


oldskool
Novice

Dec 28, 2008, 3:30 PM

Post #5 of 9 (3278 views)
Re: 98 Voyager wont start Sign In

I have tried the clear flooding then but it didn't help. I pulled the dipstick and you are correct it smelled just like gas so I will try adding oil to cylinders and checking it. One thing I was wondering if I had been trying to start it alot and it wasn't getting enough fire would the walls be fuel washed anyway ? Thanks for all the help.


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
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Dec 28, 2008, 3:34 PM

Post #6 of 9 (3275 views)
Re: 98 Voyager wont start Sign In

Yes, very possibly. A compression test would tell you for sure. If able, do a 'dry test' first; Then, add oil and do a 'wet test' to compare. If compression increases with the oil, then the cyls. are fuel washed. Still need to find out why, though. But, will be much easier if you can get it running.
Loren
SW Washington


oldskool
Novice

Dec 28, 2008, 4:11 PM

Post #7 of 9 (3271 views)
Re: 98 Voyager wont start Sign In

I will try the compression test and test fuel pressure also, but it will probably be tomorrow. Thanks again for all the help.


oldskool
Novice

Dec 30, 2008, 4:22 PM

Post #8 of 9 (3251 views)
Re: 98 Voyager wont start Sign In

I did the compression test with oil in cylinders and it was good. I installed new plugs, wires and changed oil and it fired right up. I just wanted to say thanks for the help and thanks to the starters of this site its great.


Loren Champlain Sr
Veteran / Moderator
Loren Champlain Sr profile image

Dec 30, 2008, 4:33 PM

Post #9 of 9 (3249 views)
Re: 98 Voyager wont start Sign In

I knew you could do it! Smile Thankyou for the kind reply. I'm new here and agree, it's a great site. The starters have done a great job. And, I applaud them.
Loren
SW Washington






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