1999 Isuzu Rodeo Question Won't start

1999 ISUZU RODEO
160,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ZESTYSHERRY
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I just bought this SUV. My son put in new plugs, we had a new radiator installed because the old one had a leaky patch job and we bought a new battery. I put less then 40 miles on it. Last week I went to an appointment sat there for about 4 hours drove home around 7 miles and noticed as I was parking the car read H. It was hot. There was no smell, no steam, smoke or noise. I parked and called my son. He came over and drained the radiator and was going to replace the thermostat but couldn't do it because of where it's located. So, he hooked it all back up and the battery. Now it won't start. We can hear the fuel pump come on, it sounds like it wants to start. He checked the plugs they are OK and getting spark. He said no fuel pressure. He checked all fuses and they are fine. Is it the fuel pump, filter what? This is my first car in 7 years I was so excited and happy not to be riding the bus and my 2 youngest, ages 2 and 4, were happy about going to the zoo etc.....Please help!! Thank you THANK YOU. Sherry
Feb 19, 2010 at 11:26 PM
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RASMATAZ
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Hi zestysherry, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

The fuel pressure should be 49-55psi

Got hot parked it and will not start-check the fuel pressure with a gauge to rule out the fuel filter and fuel pump-I don't think its vapor lock-Let me know

You can hear the fuel pump come on-that means the fuel pump fuse and relay is okay-
Feb 20, 2010 at 6:41 AM
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ZESTYSHERRY
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Where do you hook up the fuel guage to check the pressure? I'm going to buy the repair manual now. Also, someone mentioned a harness next to the battery and it's usually gray. I can't find anything that looks like that. I opened the radiator cap and smelled inside and it smells like gas in there to me. HELP PLEASE. This is my first car in 7 years. I've been riding the public bus and it sucks because I can't take my 2 and 4 year olds to the zoo or anything here in San Diego. I appreciate all your help. I only have about $200 to spend for repairs after buying this car, paying off an old fine, paying to get my lisence reinstated and I even paid for 6 months of insurance to drive this dang thing that won't start. Thanks again for your help.
Sherry
Feb 20, 2010 at 2:04 PM
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RASMATAZ
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I want you to remove all the sparkplugs and check if there's coolant in it-if no coolant present-Do the fuel pressure check-hook it up to the fuel rail fuel test port if it has one if none T-in at the fuel filter-Let me know

Gasoline in the radiator-could be blown headgasket, cracked head or block and an intake leak
Feb 20, 2010 at 2:15 PM
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ZESTYSHERRY
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I want to thank y'all for tying to help me figure out why my 1999 rodeo wouldn't start. My neighbor's friend (mechanic) took a look at it and ran all kinds of tests. We ended up having AAA tow it to his house and he took it apart. The strangest dang thing, he found a metal gasket looking thing about the size of a half dollar down inside under like the pulley's for the belts. It's all chewed up and has groove marks from the timing belt. The timing belt has some bad spots from it so he's going to replace that and I'm praying that there is no other damage. He can't figure out where that metal ring came from. He said all the plugs have compression of 89 so he's hoping it just the timing belt and no further damage. Thanks for your help.
Sherry
Feb 21, 2010 at 7:42 PM
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2 LINSEY
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We appreciate your donation and look forward to helping you in the future. Thank you
Mar 2, 2010 at 12:36 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.