Starting problem now.

MattwantsSpeed · 11-04-2002, 10:49 AM

Last night after work I went to start my car, it started normal and as soon as it came to idle, it died. Started it again and it died. Started it a 3rd time, was able to hit the gas to rev it up and it still died. From then on the car turned over like it should but just didn't catch. I do have a weak ground from battery to block but it's not doing what it does when it's the ground and all I have to do is wiggle the ground anyways. Also, when it's the ground it doesn't turn over at all. I can't think of would it would be and most everything spark/fuel wise has been replaced in the last 5-7,000 miles- Battery, fuel pump, fuel filter, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, start switch, starter and I'm sure there is more but can't think of it. One thing I think of that hasn't been changed is the coil. Anyone have any ideas? All the help is appriciated.

Matt

PKRWUD · 11-04-2002, 02:45 PM

It takes 4 things for an internal combustion engine to run:

Compression, Spark, Fuel, and Air.

Eliminate them one by one, and you'll make this much easier.

For example, is your air filter clogged? No, okay, then you just eliminated 25% of the possible problem.

Does it have compression? Yes? Great, you've now cut the pie in half.

Is it getting fuel (are the spark plugs wet)? Yes? Okay, than it's an ignition problem.

Check to see if you have power to the coil. You do? Great. Now see if you have power out of the coil. You don't? Replace the coil.

Fill in the specifics accordingly, and you'll find your problem.

Take care,
ÅChris

MattwantsSpeed · 11-05-2002, 04:59 PM

Well I pulled out the ignition coil and had it tested and it tested fine. What else should I check for? How else can I check to see if it's getting fuel? Thanx alot!

Matt

PKRWUD · 11-05-2002, 05:34 PM

Check for fuel by trying to start it for 5 seconds, and then pull a plug. If it's wet, you're getting fuel.

Check for spark at the plugs, too.

Take care,
ÅChris

MattwantsSpeed · 11-05-2002, 08:10 PM

Sorry for the dumb question but how would I check for spark at the plugs? Also can I check for spark out of the distributor? Specifically the pick-up coil? I hate this car! lol Most everything involved is new! Thanx again.

Matt

TMASTER · 11-05-2002, 08:20 PM

It might be your distributor... I dont know how to check if ones bad internally though. but if the car runs for a bit then dies, but doesnt die like a fuel problem, its got to be spark...

PKRWUD · 11-05-2002, 08:21 PM

Remove a plug wire from one of the plugs, and insert an other spark plug (or pull that one), and lay it on the engine block, so that it will be nearly grounded. While you have a friend crank the engine over, observe the plug. If you can see a spark, then your ignition system is functioning. The brighter and bluer the spark, the better.

Take care,
ÅChris

11-04-2002, 10:49 AM	#1
MattwantsSpeed Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Lakeland, Fl Posts: 224	Starting problem now. Last night after work I went to start my car, it started normal and as soon as it came to idle, it died. Started it again and it died. Started it a 3rd time, was able to hit the gas to rev it up and it still died. From then on the car turned over like it should but just didn't catch. I do have a weak ground from battery to block but it's not doing what it does when it's the ground and all I have to do is wiggle the ground anyways. Also, when it's the ground it doesn't turn over at all. I can't think of would it would be and most everything spark/fuel wise has been replaced in the last 5-7,000 miles- Battery, fuel pump, fuel filter, plugs, wires, cap, rotor, start switch, starter and I'm sure there is more but can't think of it. One thing I think of that hasn't been changed is the coil. Anyone have any ideas? All the help is appriciated. Matt __________________ 89 LX Hatch 5.0 5spd, alot of miles, terrible 2.73's, mac cai, pullies, Tri-Ax, 16* timing, elect fan, 3G alt Best to date: 14.331@97.46mph with 14*/stock fan/short belt and a 2.222 60' in 90 degree weather Waiting to put on Off road H and 1 5/8 headers Rice Hater's Club #36

11-04-2002, 02:45 PM	#2
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	It takes 4 things for an internal combustion engine to run: Compression, Spark, Fuel, and Air. Eliminate them one by one, and you'll make this much easier. For example, is your air filter clogged? No, okay, then you just eliminated 25% of the possible problem. Does it have compression? Yes? Great, you've now cut the pie in half. Is it getting fuel (are the spark plugs wet)? Yes? Okay, than it's an ignition problem. Check to see if you have power to the coil. You do? Great. Now see if you have power out of the coil. You don't? Replace the coil. Fill in the specifics accordingly, and you'll find your problem. Take care, ÅChris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

11-05-2002, 04:59 PM	#3
MattwantsSpeed Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Lakeland, Fl Posts: 224	Well I pulled out the ignition coil and had it tested and it tested fine. What else should I check for? How else can I check to see if it's getting fuel? Thanx alot! Matt __________________ 89 LX Hatch 5.0 5spd, alot of miles, terrible 2.73's, mac cai, pullies, Tri-Ax, 16* timing, elect fan, 3G alt Best to date: 14.331@97.46mph with 14*/stock fan/short belt and a 2.222 60' in 90 degree weather Waiting to put on Off road H and 1 5/8 headers Rice Hater's Club #36

11-05-2002, 05:34 PM	#4
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	Check for fuel by trying to start it for 5 seconds, and then pull a plug. If it's wet, you're getting fuel. Check for spark at the plugs, too. Take care, ÅChris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

11-05-2002, 08:10 PM	#5
MattwantsSpeed Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Lakeland, Fl Posts: 224	Sorry for the dumb question but how would I check for spark at the plugs? Also can I check for spark out of the distributor? Specifically the pick-up coil? I hate this car! lol Most everything involved is new! Thanx again. Matt __________________ 89 LX Hatch 5.0 5spd, alot of miles, terrible 2.73's, mac cai, pullies, Tri-Ax, 16* timing, elect fan, 3G alt Best to date: 14.331@97.46mph with 14*/stock fan/short belt and a 2.222 60' in 90 degree weather Waiting to put on Off road H and 1 5/8 headers Rice Hater's Club #36

11-05-2002, 08:20 PM	#6
TMASTER Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: TEXAS Posts: 161	this It might be your distributor... I dont know how to check if ones bad internally though. but if the car runs for a bit then dies, but doesnt die like a fuel problem, its got to be spark...

11-05-2002, 08:21 PM	#7
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	Remove a plug wire from one of the plugs, and insert an other spark plug (or pull that one), and lay it on the engine block, so that it will be nearly grounded. While you have a friend crank the engine over, observe the plug. If you can see a spark, then your ignition system is functioning. The brighter and bluer the spark, the better. Take care, ÅChris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

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