My engine will not start up and run what is going on?

Tiny
STEPHANIE123
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 HONDA ACCORD
I tried to use the starting fluid to get my car started but it still will not start. Any suggestions?
Saturday, September 6th, 2008 AT 10:55 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Hello,

Check for spark at the Cap if have spark at cap check spark at plugs. If no spark at plugs replace cap and rotor. When you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please run down this guide and report back. If no spark at coil check power to coil if have power replace coil.
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Saturday, September 6th, 2008 AT 11:06 PM
Tiny
STEPHANIE123
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  • 7 POSTS
I have new spark plugs, spark plug wires and coil wire, distributor cap and roter.

But what started it all is that I was driving my car and it shut off like I just turned the car off and I looked unre the hood and the spark plug chambers were full of oil. So I change the Vaulve gasket, and the rest that is stated above. I tried the starting spray and it is trying to start but will not completely kick over. I even have a brand new battery in the car that is only about weeks old. I am stumped about what may the problem be. I need help.
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Sunday, September 7th, 2008 AT 7:27 PM
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
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Ok, you say you changed the Coil Wire. Have you checked for Spark at the Plugs? When checking look at spark closely the color should be a Bluish/White if it is an Orangish color the Spark is not strong enough to start vehicle.
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Monday, September 8th, 2008 AT 8:36 AM
Tiny
STEPHANIE123
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  • 7 POSTS
Before I changed the coil wire it had a spark that was orange that is why I had changed it. And I did check the spark plugs spark and there was not one. What do I do from there? What is the problem?
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Monday, September 8th, 2008 AT 10:42 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Hi stephanie123,

Orange spark means the sparks are weak and you need to replace the ignition coil.
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Monday, September 8th, 2008 AT 1:56 PM
Tiny
STEPHANIE123
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  • 7 POSTS
I changed the ingntion coil and it still not start. What else can there be?
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Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 AT 11:20 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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Hi stephanie123,

Lets start all over again.

1. Check for sparks at spark plug.
2. Check fuel pressure at fuel rails. ( Try starting fluid again )
3. Test compression.
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Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 AT 2:09 PM
Tiny
STEPHANIE123
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
There is not a spark in the spark plugs, starting fluid did not work. The roter turns slow when I am trying to start the car.
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Monday, September 15th, 2008 AT 10:03 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Hi stephanie123,

Ok, we need to find the cause why there is no spark with all those new things.

1. Check for power supply to the distributor Black/Yellow wire with ignition on.

2. Remove distributor cap and crank engine, is the rotor turning? Make sure distributor cap is away from rotor.

If yes to the above, check the ignition coil and ICM for proper connection of the wires. If all are ok, the ICM is faulty.

Make sure cranking speed is sufficiently fast, use jumper battery if necessary.
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Tuesday, September 16th, 2008 AT 6:21 AM
Tiny
MSMEREDITH
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
All of the diagnostic checks are on target. I wouldn't try doing the starting fluid until you are getting the proper spark. Is it possible that you mixed up 2 of the spark plug wires on the distributor or plugs when installing them? Check the firing order. Don't worry about oil on top of spark plugs--common condition on Honda valve covers. Only indicates that the plug seal is leaking on the valve cover.
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Thursday, September 18th, 2008 AT 10:00 AM

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