cranks but wont start

utecrm · Post by **utecrm** » 08 Jul 2010, 13:20

1994 850 140K miles - starting and running great and then out of the blue, won't start, cranks like crazy. New fuel pump about 2 years ago, can hear it prime and smell the gas. Haven't checked the plugs yet but what's odd is that when the battery gets down to barely cranking it almost starts. Small leak at top of radiator passenger side doesnt overheat but it does get some stuff wet on that side..... just remembered I did jump the fuel relay with a paper clip still no go

Post by **jblackburn** » 08 Jul 2010, 13:31

Hold the gas pedal straight to the floor and crank it over for 45 seconds-1 minute. Slowly let up, and keep cranking, holding the idle with your foot until it catches on its own. You wouldn't think this would happen to fuel injection cars, but yes, it does happen to these engines (and my old Saab 900) quite often. If this doesn't work, let us know

anmartin44 · Post by **anmartin44** » 08 Jul 2010, 14:23

youre due for second timing belt. check that before you keep on cranking.

Post by **pkc303** » 08 Jul 2010, 17:33

I know it is obvious, but are you getting spark? I'd also check the fuel pressure in the fuel rail. Could be a clogged fuel filter, bad fuel pressure regulator. Might explain the almost start thing.

tbrewer · Post by **tbrewer** » 08 Jul 2010, 23:01

I have been having a similar problem..

170xxx miles on an 850 glt, cranking but wont start after I let it sit for three days.
checked the fuel filter and replaced it, checked my fuel pump and it is pumping strong, checked the fuel lines all the way to my injectors and they are all clear,
after that I checked each individual injector, none of them are clogged.
I then checked for spark, the spark was weak and yellow, leading me to believe it to be the coil, I then replaced the coil today and charged the battery for a couple of hours (not even half way charged, even on a ten amp charge) and tried to start it and it still wouldnt fire.
I am completely baffled as to what it might be.
Its not the cam shaft position sensors or ignition switch, all of that has been replaced recently.

I thought it could possibly be out of timing but I figured that would happen when it was in motion or possibly downshifting in low compression? and finally when I was messing with the fuel filter I had the fuel line unplugged and it started for a few seconds, this was when I replaced the fuel filter..

any input would be greatly appreciated.

Post by **phils94850** » 09 Jul 2010, 07:49

if you un-hooked the fuel line and it tried to start, sounds like its getting too much fuel. Id check the exact fuel press. at the rail..

tbrewer · Post by **tbrewer** » 09 Jul 2010, 13:25

thanks for the reply,
could you give me a brief tutorial on how to check the pressure and the proper pressure it should be at?
thankyou.

Post by **jblackburn** » 09 Jul 2010, 13:35

You'll need a fuel pressure tester, you can find them for pretty cheaply at an auto parts store. Or if you have a tire gauge that you don't want anymore, that will work too, though probably spray you in the eyes...

At the end of the fuel rail is a little blue cap. Unscrew that cap, and there you've got the schrader valve (just like a tire valve) to test pressure with.

With the key on, in position II and the engine not running, you will want to see 43.5 PSI. Running/cranking, you should see around 38.

Post by **meine39** » 09 Jul 2010, 17:09

To utecrm, did you check for codes using your car's diagnostic port? That's where I would start.

To tbrewer, technically you've hijacked the thread - your issue should be posted in its own thread so that the original poster's issue gets the attention it deserves.

utecrm · Post by **utecrm** » 12 Jul 2010, 11:55

Thanks for all the posts, tried the holding pedal down as if it was flooded, no go. Its getting spark OK.
Checked the fuel pressure with a tire gauge - it was only about 18 or 20 psi, guess I should check the filter and
regulator where ever they may be....