No start

Tiny
PACIFICISLANDER
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 NISSAN HARDBODY
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 100,000 MILES
Check compression is 180 PSI and ignition on all 4 cylinders spark okay. Why would it not start? Could it be a valve timing problem? Firing order okay.
Wednesday, February 24th, 2021 AT 11:09 PM

12 Replies

Tiny
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Here is a guide that will help with this issue in general but we need three things to the engine started. We need fuel, spark, and compression. We also need air but that is less likely to be an issue. So if spark, compression is okay, then we need to turn to fuel.

https://youtu.be/dCjmRL3p4Cs

Here is a guide that will help with testing the fuel pressure which is the next step:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Try using starter fluid in the intake and if it starts then that is a shortcut to know if it is fuel. However, even if it doesn't we still need to check fuel pressure.

Let me know what questions you have. Thanks
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Thursday, February 25th, 2021 AT 3:43 PM
Tiny
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I have this feeling it's a valve and Ignition timing problem. I got Ignition, compression, and fuel, even if you use start fluid or gas in the throttle body still won't start. What is next on the agenda? You have help me before let's work together so that we can find this culprit.
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Friday, February 26th, 2021 AT 12:31 AM
Tiny
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Let's take a step back and tell me how you are confirming spark at the plug. If you are using starter fluid and it doesn't fire then we can assume fuel is fine. If compression is ok as you tested then more then likely the timing is ok as well. If the cylinder can build compression then that means the valves are closing pretty close to when they need to. It still could be a valve timing issue but that is less likely based on this info.

If you have not done it, I would pull a spark plug and hold it against the block and crank the engine to make sure you have spark at the plug.

We need spark, fuel, compression and air to start the engine. So if you have fuel, and spark then the PCM is not shutting this down. Then if you have compression it should start.

The only other thing is the spark may be weak. So it may require spark plugs but that should be more clear after we check the spark and it should be a strong blue arc.

Let me know and we can go from there.
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Friday, February 26th, 2021 AT 6:28 PM
Tiny
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So if you have fuel, and spark then the PCM is not shutting this down. What do you meant by this?

I will try new plugs and retest, let you know.
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Saturday, February 27th, 2021 AT 5:07 PM
Tiny
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What I mean is we need to confirm there is spark by pulling the plug and holding it against the block. If we know there is spark and fuel then we know it is not a PCM issue or other sensor issue that is causing the PCM to shut them down. This means we would have to have an air or compression issue.

Basically we have to have spark, fuel, air and compression to start the engine. If we can 100% cross these things off the list then we can narrow the cause down.

However, if we are not 100% sure the spark plugs are firing or the injectors are firing then we are guessing and this is when these things get confusing. So we need to be sure by puling the plug and hold it against the block (or use a spark tester).

Then if there is no spark then we can track down why the PCM is not firing the plugs. If there is spark, then we can move on to the next item.
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Saturday, February 27th, 2021 AT 6:16 PM
Tiny
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Before I was getting spark now I'm not getting this is beginning to be a nightmare problem injectors are pulsing-what's next

This a 97 HB my bad-does this have a CPS on the transmission.

Can you give me the PCM pinouts.
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Sunday, February 28th, 2021 AT 12:38 AM
Tiny
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So if you have spark and injectors are firing, plus the compression is okay, then we are missing something.

You need spark, fuel and compression to start the engine. So have you changed the spark plugs to make sure they are not fouled with fuel?

I attached the PCM info below.
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Monday, March 1st, 2021 AT 4:05 PM
Tiny
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Now I have spark and fuel injector pulsing, compression is 190 PSI it seems like the injector is not spraying the correct amount of pressure when fuel rail disconnected. Also the fuel pressure when check with a gauge is 32 psi what's next to check- i'm thinking fuel injectors- It seem s pressure is to high at 32psi. I thought the pressure should be 9-14 PSI for a TBI. Thank you Mr. K
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 6:28 PM
Tiny
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TBI? Meaning throttle body injection? Are you sure this vehicle has this system because I so it has an MFI, multipoint fuel injection. Meaning it has injectors at the cylinders and not on the throttle body. If that is the case then the fuel pressure is correct. I attached it below.

If the injectors are pulsing by testing them as above, how have you confirmed there is spark at the plugs? What is the actual test that you performed?
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Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 AT 4:35 PM
Tiny
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My bad my friend it's a MPI injection, Throttle body is with the injectors not on the cylinders.

I got spark on the plug wire, also on the coil without the d/ca, measure ohms on primary/secondary it's okay.

Compression at 190 PSI and Injectors pulsing-spraying gas on each injector. What's next to identify the problem?
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Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 AT 5:38 PM
Tiny
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Okay. When you pulled the spark plugs were they wet with fuel? Let's crank the engine for a few revolutions and then pull the plugs. See if they are wet. If they are when is the last time you changed the plugs?

They could be fouled with fuel causing the engine not to start. If they are wet then we know they are spraying fuel which will foul the plugs.

If it still does not start then we need do a cylinder leakage test which should show if we have a timing issue.
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Thursday, March 4th, 2021 AT 5:47 PM
Tiny
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Okay Mr.K, we got this covered. My fast technique didn't do right because I assume the plugs are good, due to me pulling the plugs and attaching it to the wire and showing me spark on each of them. My bad again. Got new plugs and bang it goes, everything is okay now due mainly with your help. 2CarPros need more people like you and I appreciate every help you have given me and thank you very much.
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Thursday, March 4th, 2021 AT 8:01 PM

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