Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting 96 4 cyl DOHC will not start

I am trying to get my duaghters car to start. I pulled a plug and had it cranked and I have spark. I can hear the fuel pump run for a few seconds when I turn the ignition on. I replaced the fuel filter. The car will crank and occasionally try to turn over but will not. I tried pressing the accelerator to the floor while cranking - no luck. But usually imediately after that, if crank it, it will try to fire. I tried starting it repeatedly the other day and did not notice a strong fuel smell, but I did not pull the plugs. I am kind of suspecting fuel at this point.

What is the best way to check that I am getting fuel?

Is there something between the filter and rail that would prevent fuel from flowing?

What is the IAC (read about while searching) and how does it impact starting? Sounds like bear to get to.

Where the heck is the pcv valve on this engine?

Any advice welcome. Most of my experience is on 1st gen RX-7s. These are alot simpler.

check your battery voltage. if its too low it wont even crank and if its only a little low it may not have the push to turn the starter fast enough. second check to make sure that your getting air/fuel mixture to the cylinders. third check to make sure you have compression and then check for spark. if you have everything it should start. also when attempting to start it dont crank for more than 15 sec. or you could damage the starter, its not designed to work for any longer than that.

if your not getting any fuel check your injectors and fuel pump. the injectors are just solenoids so you should hear them click. you said that you could hear the fuel pump which means the pump itself is working but the sock might be cloged and not allowing any fuel. although if your getting fuel at the injectors than you should be fine.

when checking for spark use the little spark tester. if you dont have one you should be able to find one at the local auto parts store. that will check all the way to the plugs. if you have spark there check the gap on the plugs. if its too big the spark wont want to jump. if its too little then it may not be strong enough to light the mixture.

do a compression test and make sure you have good compression on all 4 cylinders. im not sure of the numbers right of hand but you can look them up or someone else might know. if you dont have a compression gauge you can again pick one up from the parts store. it will have directions on it on how to use it.


does the starter turn the engine over easily or does it sound real slow.

Welcome . In addition to the above suggestions, check the Crankshaft Position Sensor (especially the wiring at the connector).

http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=trouble&Number=1060841&fpart=1&PHPSESSID=

Also the Cam sensor on the back right of the valve cover beside the coil pack. More than likely the Crank Sensor is the problem.

Check your timing belt. It may have lost a few teeth and is not operating the cams or has jumped.

Steve

Fuel pressure can be checked with this tool:
http://www.actron.com/product_detail.php?pid=16174
Costs ~ $40 in automotive stores. The package does not list Contours as guaranteed to be compatible but it worked with my 95 Contour.

If the fuel pressure is OK (around 40 psi) try to tap on your MAF sensor while someone cranks the engine. A defective MAF may erroneously report "no air" to the computer and it will keep the fuel almost cut off. Tapping on MAF with a screwdriver handle may help "fix" the intermittent operation. I had this very problem.

You may also try to inject just a bit of starting fluid into the intake. Disconnect the air filter cover from the intake so the MAF can be seen sitting in the aluminum housing. Spray on the side wall so you do not contaminate the sensor. My car started right away after this procedure and then I was able to play with the MAF.

Thanks for the help on this. I replaced the CKS and the car is now running. The connector got beat up pretty good when I replaced the cat.

This is great forum. I am avid participant in a couple of RX-7 forums, and I was really impressed with the way you guys jumped in to offer advice.

Thanks.