'95 850 GLT Strong Crank but no start

etrain80 · Post by **etrain80** » 10 May 2010, 13:20

Hello,

I am having trouble starting my 95 850 GLT. The other day I just had to move it out of the driveway, started it and killed it accidentally. After that, it would not start.

It is cranking strongly, but just won't kick on and start.

So far, I've checked and cleaned all the spark plugs, then reinstalled them and tried starting, still no start. I then checked the distributor cap and rotor for wear, they were fine (and had been replaced within the last 4 months). I bought new spark plugs and installed them, still no start.

I had a new fuel pressure regulator installed in February 2009, and a new starter installed in November 2010.

A little history: I've had similar problems in the past, when I run it for just a short period of time and then it won't start the next time I try to start it. That has usually occurred more in colder weather, and I've brought it in and the shops have deflooded the engine and cleaned the spark plugs and it has worked.

Any advice on where to go from here?

Thanks,
Ethan

etrain80 · Post by **etrain80** » 10 May 2010, 13:22

Oh yea, I also checked the codes on the A2 (fuel system) and A6 (ignition system) slots and got a 1-1-1 reading (no fault) for both of them.

Thanks

Post by **jblackburn** » 10 May 2010, 13:29

The first step I would go from here would be to pull out one of the plugs and crank the engine over and make sure you are getting a spark.

If you're getting a spark, remove the spark plugs, put a small bit of oil in each cylinder, and then replace the plugs and crank the engine with your foot to the floor until it begins to catch. This keeps any further amount of gas from being introduced into the cylinders. Once it starts to catch, don't let off the starter, keep cranking, but let up on the gas until the engine can hold itself running.

etrain80 · Post by **etrain80** » 10 May 2010, 14:05

Do I look for a spark between the plug and the engine block? Is it possible to do this with only one person?

Thanks.

Post by **jblackburn** » 10 May 2010, 14:10

Sure, if you're Stretch Armstrong

You might be able to just lay it on top and listen for a 'zap'.

etrain80 · Post by **etrain80** » 10 May 2010, 15:22

Haha, yea I am pretty green when it comes to this stuff.

So I just pull out one of the plugs, hold it near the block and check for the spark? Is this dangerous at all?

Post by **jblackburn** » 10 May 2010, 16:16

Hold it at the top of the spark plug boot near something that's not covered in oil, and you won't have any problems. The spark will hurt a little bit if you zap yourself, but it's not enough amperage to actually hurt you.

The "lawnmower syndrome" happens to these engines quite often...starting it, and then quickly shutting it off again will cause it to not want to start again because it can't build up compression from cylinders washed down in gas. I have not done it to mine YET, but that's where the oil trick comes in.

etrain80 · Post by **etrain80** » 10 May 2010, 19:38

So I checked the spark, and there is spark. After I put a bit of oil in each cylinder, do I hold the gas pedal all the way to the floor? Would that not just flood it more?

Thanks

Post by **jblackburn** » 10 May 2010, 19:43

No, on a fuel injection car, holding the pedal to the floor (while cranking anyway) will shut off the injectors and keep more fuel from being introduced into the cylinders. This will let the oil build the compression back up with a few turns, and then the car will be able to start on its own.

Yes, keep it to the floor until you feel it start catching, then let up. You'll probably have to hold the idle as it begins to fire with your foot until it can run on its own.

You'll have an enormous smoke cloud, don't worry

etrain80 · Post by **etrain80** » 11 May 2010, 08:59

It started up! Thank you for your help and patience walking me through this. Much appreciated.