My engine cranks but doesn't start sometimes

ANONYMOUS

MEMBER
1990 ACURA INTEGRA
161,000 MILES

My engine cranks but doesn't start sometimes. Once the engine is running the car runs fine with no problems. About 1 out of 10 times the car doesn't start while most of the time it starts just fine. The starter sounds like it's cranking the engine at the speed it should. Sometimes when the car doesn't start I'll just try again like 20 seconds later and then it will start. Recently though no matter how many times I tried it just kept turning over and not starting, but then jump starting it worked. It runs just fine once its working. Any help would be appreciated.

1 Reply

SQM

MECHANIC
6,383 POSTS

Hello,

Just so we cover the basics, have the battery tested. Since you are able to jump start it, the battery could be bad.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

The intermittent no start or cranking excessively could be due to worn ignition components. Many times doing a tune up can help with these type of starting issue.

Inspect the spark plugs for ware and gap. The plugs should be gapped at 0.039in to 0.043in.
Looks for carbon build up and oil fouling. Dirty plugs can lead to starting issues.

A basic tune up include changing the oil, air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, wires distributor cap, rotor. Also cleaning out the throttle body.

Here is a helpful guide on tune up:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-tune-up-a-car-engine

I have attached the diagrams for the typical tune up components below.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.

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