engine cranks but doesn't start
#1
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So problem #2 of the day haha, cant figure this out, engine cranks fine, and sounds strong, but it does not start
I understand this has to do with either spark or fuel.
I recently pulled the motor, and changed the timing belt and all that jazz.
First I removed the valve cover and checked the timing belt
gonna borrow revlimiters pic
looks just like this:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/general-miata-chat-9/37098-engine-cranks-but-doesnt-start-dsc_2359-590x392.jpg?dateline=1332030150)
So I'm guessing thats correct.
-Next I pulled the fuel line, and fuel leaked out, so I'm getting fuel.
Next pulled the spark plugs, and they seemed fine.
-Went to autozone and exchanged my ngk wires with new sparkplug wires, and changed that, also bought new ngk plugs.
-Changed to new plugs and wires and that seems fine.
-The ground strap broke while I pulled the motor, and I replaced with with 4 gauge wire, check that to make sure that's good, and it was.
Then I tried to crank up the motor again, still the same thing.
-check all the fueses, all of them were fine
It cranks fine, but never starts. Sounds completely normally, and doesn't do anything weird other than not starting.
I'm pretty sure its got to be somethings stupid, but I can't seem to figure it out.
Also used the adaptronic ems to take a log of the start process (attaching it to this).
Any ideas?
I understand this has to do with either spark or fuel.
I recently pulled the motor, and changed the timing belt and all that jazz.
First I removed the valve cover and checked the timing belt
gonna borrow revlimiters pic
looks just like this:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/general-miata-chat-9/37098-engine-cranks-but-doesnt-start-dsc_2359-590x392.jpg?dateline=1332030150)
So I'm guessing thats correct.
-Next I pulled the fuel line, and fuel leaked out, so I'm getting fuel.
Next pulled the spark plugs, and they seemed fine.
-Went to autozone and exchanged my ngk wires with new sparkplug wires, and changed that, also bought new ngk plugs.
-Changed to new plugs and wires and that seems fine.
-The ground strap broke while I pulled the motor, and I replaced with with 4 gauge wire, check that to make sure that's good, and it was.
Then I tried to crank up the motor again, still the same thing.
-check all the fueses, all of them were fine
It cranks fine, but never starts. Sounds completely normally, and doesn't do anything weird other than not starting.
I'm pretty sure its got to be somethings stupid, but I can't seem to figure it out.
Also used the adaptronic ems to take a log of the start process (attaching it to this).
Any ideas?
#5
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The presence of fuel in the fuel line doesn't mean the fuel pump is working. Can you hear it? Try jumpering it. Do you have a timing light? If so, hook it up and see if the coils are firing. In other words, the first step is to confirm the presence of fuel and spark. Once you have that, figure out why you don't have the correct fuel and spark.
#6
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![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/general-miata-chat-9/37126-engine-cranks-but-doesnt-start-img_0369-1.jpg?dateline=1332039420)
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/general-miata-chat-9/37127-engine-cranks-but-doesnt-start-img_0370-1.jpg?dateline=1332039420)
The presence of fuel in the fuel line doesn't mean the fuel pump is working. Can you hear it? Try jumpering it. Do you have a timing light? If so, hook it up and see if the coils are firing. In other words, the first step is to confirm the presence of fuel and spark. Once you have that, figure out why you don't have the correct fuel and spark.
#11
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![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/general-miata-chat-9/37136-engine-cranks-but-doesnt-start-cha.jpg?dateline=1332104708)
but it still doesn't start.
Just gonna start taking everything apart again, to see what I'm missing. Hopefully it'll be something obvious.
I'm really sure its not the fuel. I tired the starter fluid method, that didn't do squat.
#12
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So I took the valvecover off, and managed to reallign the cam without ------- with anything else:
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/general-miata-chat-9/37136-engine-cranks-but-doesnt-start-cha.jpg?dateline=1332104708)
but it still doesn't start.
Just gonna start taking everything apart again, to see what I'm missing. Hopefully it'll be something obvious.
I'm really sure its not the fuel. I tired the starter fluid method, that didn't do squat.
![](https://www.miataturbo.net/attachments/general-miata-chat-9/37136-engine-cranks-but-doesnt-start-cha.jpg?dateline=1332104708)
but it still doesn't start.
Just gonna start taking everything apart again, to see what I'm missing. Hopefully it'll be something obvious.
I'm really sure its not the fuel. I tired the starter fluid method, that didn't do squat.
You can try jumping the fuel pump in the diagnostic box. You jump F/P to ground and it will stay running.
#13
#14
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took everything apart and the the crank was off by a bit.
Can you guys check this real quick to make sure its right so i don't ---- it up again and can close it up haha:
3826420f.jpg?t=1332117522
85003a19.jpg?t=1332117520
f42c899c.jpg?t=1332117525
Can you guys check this real quick to make sure its right so i don't ---- it up again and can close it up haha:
3826420f.jpg?t=1332117522
85003a19.jpg?t=1332117520
f42c899c.jpg?t=1332117525
#17
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Central Florida, Land of the Giant Rat.
Posts: 122
Total Cats: 2
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If your injectors aren't firing and you have no spark I would suspect a crank angle or cam position sensor signal not getting to the ecu.
As Mr Hyde above posted, you need to establish that you do for fact have fuel and spark. First I would check for spark at the plugs. Will need to ground the plug to the head and have someone turn it over. It would be advisable to have the fuel pump OFF in this test.
As Mr Hyde above posted, you need to establish that you do for fact have fuel and spark. First I would check for spark at the plugs. Will need to ground the plug to the head and have someone turn it over. It would be advisable to have the fuel pump OFF in this test.
#18
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If your injectors aren't firing and you have no spark I would suspect a crank angle or cam position sensor signal not getting to the ecu.
As Mr Hyde above posted, you need to establish that you do for fact have fuel and spark. First I would check for spark at the plugs. Will need to ground the plug to the head and have someone turn it over. It would be advisable to have the fuel pump OFF in this test.
As Mr Hyde above posted, you need to establish that you do for fact have fuel and spark. First I would check for spark at the plugs. Will need to ground the plug to the head and have someone turn it over. It would be advisable to have the fuel pump OFF in this test.
This is so frustrating, damn thing still doesn't start, I know for sure the cam timing is correct now tho.
Here is a link to what it sounds like if it helps
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/d...4/cb84eef6.mp4
#19
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Central Florida, Land of the Giant Rat.
Posts: 122
Total Cats: 2
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It's not firing any mixture.
So, you've got to establish spark first. If it exists, then you've got no fuel.
If needed, we'll diag fuel as soon as we establish spark.
Both are dependent on the ecu 'knowing' where the engine is at in its cycle.
A quick check for fuel is to crank for a fair bit, then pull a plug and see if it's wet. Or reeks of gas.
So, you've got to establish spark first. If it exists, then you've got no fuel.
If needed, we'll diag fuel as soon as we establish spark.
Both are dependent on the ecu 'knowing' where the engine is at in its cycle.
A quick check for fuel is to crank for a fair bit, then pull a plug and see if it's wet. Or reeks of gas.
#20
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It's not firing any mixture.
So, you've got to establish spark first. If it exists, then you've got no fuel.
If needed, we'll diag fuel as soon as we establish spark.
Both are dependent on the ecu 'knowing' where the engine is at in its cycle.
A quick check for fuel is to crank for a fair bit, then pull a plug and see if it's wet. Or reeks of gas.
So, you've got to establish spark first. If it exists, then you've got no fuel.
If needed, we'll diag fuel as soon as we establish spark.
Both are dependent on the ecu 'knowing' where the engine is at in its cycle.
A quick check for fuel is to crank for a fair bit, then pull a plug and see if it's wet. Or reeks of gas.
I did the spark test:
no spark:
video:
http://s223.photobucket.com/albums/d...t=60d6ebef.mp4
Pulled the plugs, they are not wet.
Does this mean its the sensor?