Cant start the car?

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2b4u
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Cant start the car?

Post by 2b4u »

Hi, help needed :pray:

Bought the car as a non runner...(seized alternator and snapped fan belt, dead battery)
So new battery, new alternator cap, new rotor arm, new sparks... checked compression, 11 in each cylinder, can smell petrol so it is pumping... it is turning but with no hint of starting... ](*,)

Any suggestion welcome.

Thank you in advance :wink:

P.S. car is N/A Rev.5 1998
Ryan S
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Re: Cant start the car?

Post by Ryan S »

check for error codes, check for a spark. Most likely the coil at this time of year :thumleft:
2b4u
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Re: Cant start the car?

Post by 2b4u »

sheppy wrote:check for error codes, check for a spark. Most likely the coil at this time of year :thumleft:

ther is a good spark from coil to cap...
Ryan S
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Re: Cant start the car?

Post by Ryan S »

2b4u wrote:
sheppy wrote:check for error codes, check for a spark. Most likely the coil at this time of year :thumleft:

ther is a good spark from coil to cap...


any error codes? are you getting a spark at the plugs?

I had a recent experience with brand new plugs that were duds, so don't rule that out, check each plugs for a spark (a pain I know)
2b4u
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Re: Cant start the car?

Post by 2b4u »

no codes, spark is good...
killerferret666
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Re: Cant start the car?

Post by killerferret666 »

Does it have an immobiliser?
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Ryan S
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Re: Cant start the car?

Post by Ryan S »

2b4u wrote:no codes, spark is good...


you have a spark to each plug yeah??

I'd be doing a compression test next then, an engine needs spark, fuel, compression, You have a spark and you have fuel.
ashley
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Re: Cant start the car?

Post by ashley »

sheppy wrote:I'd be doing a compression test next then, an engine needs spark, fuel, compression, You have a spark and you have fuel.


2b4u wrote: checked compression, 11 in each cylinder



You say you can smell fuel, after you've been cranking it- pull each spark plug out- are they wet with fuel?

How old is the fuel?

Then you're into checking the cam belt timing, although I'd still expect it to try to start at least unless this is miles out

Error codes should tell you if any significant sensors are out (eg TPS)

Are the earth leads off the engine/ box all connected properly?

What state does the ECU look to be in? Is the casing nice and clean?
Ryan S
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Re: Cant start the car?

Post by Ryan S »

2b4u wrote:no codes,


Error codes should tell you if any significant sensors are out (eg TPS)


Sounds a lot like the problem I had recently, Turned out to be the TPS and/or the coolant sensor.
Ecu didn't throw any codes and the only reason we figured out the problem was due to testing the sensors with the Link ECU. :(
2b4u
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Re: Cant start the car?

Post by 2b4u »

ok, some update...

Today I was trying to check the timing... and found alternator belt behind the crank pulley :shock: so i was trying to remove it but no luck so far... ](*,) and there is no notch on a crank pulley for checking timing so it is probably on the crank...

And I found Timing marks on a cam gears but no marks on the engine to correspond them with :-k
ashley
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Re: Cant start the car?

Post by ashley »

Have you got a copy of the BGB?

http://manual.teq.org/
abovetherim
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Re: Cant start the car?

Post by abovetherim »

The timing for the cams is as shown below
Image
The crank pulley will have a little notch out of the edge and the timing marks to line it up with are on the bottom cover.
The BGB (manual called the big green book as in paper format that is what it is) has the timing procedure all explained step by step both static and ignition.
As has been mentioned the tps and the ect will both have a bearing on starting. The bgb outlines setting up the tps and testing of the ect.
It may also be worth bridging terminals in the diagnostics box to permanently run the fuel pump to see if you can hear it. Maybe pop off the fuel filter and attach to a container to check flow (obviously safe working procedures and all that).
Has it had an aftermarket alarm/immobilisor (already asked)?
All fuses checked?
Plug wires on the correct order on the dizzy cap (it's been known) cylinder 1 is timing belt end.

But above all else download a copy of the bgb and get testing. Let us know how you get on
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