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Engine runs great, just won't start
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mistermiata
Novice
May 29, 2007, 8:24 PM
Post #1 of 7
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Engine runs great, just won't start
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It could be broken timing belt, fuel pump ( I'll get back to that in a second) or possibly no spark.
Last time I tried to start it, I pumped the gas pedal alot while crankin'. I 'thought' I smelled fuel, but not sure. I didn't think you a fuel odor from EFI setups. But if I did smell fuel, that means I'm getting fuel but no spark. I have no one to help me check the spark ( turn the key with a plug wire off look for an arc.
Ideas, anybody???
(This post was edited by mistermiata on May 29, 2007, 8:38 PM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 30, 2007, 6:54 AM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: Engine runs great, just won't start
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Year make and model would help. Crystal ball out for cleaning so I can only guess.
Fuel injection will not pump fuel by your gas pedal but cranking can make fuel odor if it doesn't start. Fuel pressure available is important. Check for spark. They make in line lights for that and you can do that alone with key on run and jump starter to crank.
Need to know this much at least for now,
T
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mistermiata
Novice
May 30, 2007, 12:32 PM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: Engine runs great, just won't start
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They make in line lights for that and you can do that alone with key on run and jump starter to crank.
The engine cranks. What is an 'in line' light? Ok anyway, so you're saying I can in some way unknown to me, make it crank without using the starter motor itself? what's a 'jump starter to crank'?
and thanks, too,
Best, Mack
Mack
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 30, 2007, 1:55 PM
Post #4 of 7
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Re: Engine runs great, just won't start
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The in-line light is like a plug wire extension that flashes away with spark going thru it and engine will even run with those. For the starter, what I meant is just touch power to the terminal that makes it crank. That would be the terminal that says "S" on it if you would say what kind of car this is. That's what the key is doing anyway but if you turn the key to crank and try to look you'll spill that drink you have
T
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mistermiata
Novice
May 30, 2007, 3:56 PM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: Engine runs great, just won't start
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Sorry buddy, it's a '93 Miata ( Mazda ). I did smell fuel when I was crankin' it. It's gonna be towed to my place in the morning.
About 'seeing' the spark, I can just remove a plug wire from the distrubetor or what ever they call 'em now. It's not round, it's a rectangular box with the plug wires, 4 of 'em, running to the plugs.
I thought I'd just get sombody like a neighbor to help me in at dusk when it's easier to see a spark arc to/from the/a plug wire. Then I'll know if it's gettin' 'fire' to the distrubetor and plugs.
It's a good possibility the timing belt has broke, but when it cranks, it sounds 'normal' like usual.
I also was gonna try the old 'screw driver stethescope' and try to hear the cams turning.
I sure appreciate your dedication to my troubles. I love the little thing, it's been good to me. It has 215 K + miles on it. Still doesn't use any more oil than it did when I bought it from the first owner.
If you got any tips about workin' alone, I'd like a specific one. I can't buy a light like you were talkin' about ( on a plug wire ). I've been 'hoofin' it ( walkin' every where I go and gettin a lot healtier! Oh well,
Mack
Mack
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 30, 2007, 5:00 PM
Post #6 of 7
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Re: Engine runs great, just won't start
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Those plug wires are going to a coil pack which does the job of a distributor without moving parts inside. It gets told what to do by computer impulse with a sensor that knows the position of the engine.
To test for the timing belt it would be best to look at it if you can. If it broke completely it will not operate the cam or valves and some engine are whats called interferance engines and if the belt breaks or jumps too many teeth the valves crash into the pistons and can wipe out the engine or at least a costly fix if it's salvagable!
You've already cranked it so damage is already done if that's the case. It won't spark in most cases if it broke.
You have to rule out a broken timing belt first as spark and fuel don't even matter without that,
T
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mistermiata
Novice
May 31, 2007, 4:51 AM
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Re: Engine runs great, just won't start
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The timing belt is hidden. Would have to take the valve/cam cover off just to see it. But, there were no noises, valves crashing into pistons, etc. By the way, I know it's not a distributor and it's called whatever you said.
It just stopped running while driving down the road.
It has cranks great, sounds like nothing is wrong with it, it just won't start. Even if the timing belt is broken, I don't believe it harmed the engine in any way.
Thanks again. It's being towed to my place this morning and I'll have plenty of time to start checking things out on it.
Best,
Mack aka mistermiata
Mack
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