2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Cranks want start

Tiny
DANNY LYNN THOMPSON
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 110,000 MILES
Has spark, fuel pressure good, good compression, timing marks line up.
It was running fine. On my way home it started to run bad. It would be ok a minute and then start running bad, spitting and sputtering. It did this for about 10 miles. I made it home but the next morning it would not start.
Sunday, January 18th, 2015 AT 5:28 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Have you checked to see if the fuel filter is plugged? Also will it start and run for a few seconds if you spray carb spray in the throttle body?
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Sunday, January 18th, 2015 AT 5:45 PM
Tiny
DANNY LYNN THOMPSON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thanks for your response.
Sorry. I failed to tell you that I did spray starting fluid into the throttle body.
The check engine light did not come on. I can hear the injectors working.
I also pulled the injector rack and tried starting it. It was a bad idea, but it did prove the injectors were working and it had good spark. This was after all else had failed. I know you need 5 things for an engine to start, I have all five.
I don't think a clogged fuel filter is the problem since fuel is getting to the injectors.
Thanks again
Danny
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Sunday, January 18th, 2015 AT 6:10 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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If you have good spark good fuel supply cam timing is right and compression is good then it should start. Have you thought to make sure you dont have a cat so plugged it wont start or run? Also even though you never saw the check engine light come on have you checked for codes anyways?
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Sunday, January 18th, 2015 AT 6:17 PM
Tiny
DANNY LYNN THOMPSON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Thanks for responding
I did think of clogged exhaust. I put my hand on the tailpipe while my son cranked it and I felt it blowing. I didn't know how hard it should blow.
My son is going to cut the exhaust tomorrow. The bolts at the manifold want turn, afraid they will brake
We were wondering about the anti theft system or pass lock?
I don't know anything about that system!
Thanks again
Danny
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Sunday, January 18th, 2015 AT 6:29 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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As far as anti theft it would shut down the injector pulse is the security light on solid or flashing with the key in the run position? Also have you checked for codes yet?
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Sunday, January 18th, 2015 AT 7:05 PM
Tiny
DANNY LYNN THOMPSON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
The theft light will come on steady when you turn the key on. In 2 or 3 seconds it will go off. It does not flash.
I have ordered a diagnostic code tester. I have not checked for codes at this time. I expect the tester to be in any day now.
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Monday, January 19th, 2015 AT 8:15 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Sounds like the security system is working correctly and not effecting starting. Keep me posted.
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Monday, January 19th, 2015 AT 7:53 PM
Tiny
DANNY LYNN THOMPSON
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  • 6 POSTS
Disconnected the exhaust from engine, still want start!
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Tuesday, January 20th, 2015 AT 6:46 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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What were the exact compression readings when you checked the compression? Also how did you check the cam timing? I just remembered the cam timing should be difficult to check I once talked to the engineer that designed that engine. When I worked for saturn a saturn L200 with that engine came in ran bad missfires etc at idle. Ran good higher rpms missfires went away checked everything looked good. Called saturn technical assistance they ended up having the engineer that designed the 2.2L engine. He had me check everything it all checked out good. Then all of a sudden he said they trouble with the timing chain tenisors on the early engines.I said you should have told me that in the beginning lol. Thats why I ask how did you check the cam timing?
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Tuesday, January 20th, 2015 AT 7:23 AM
Tiny
DANNY LYNN THOMPSON
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I don't remem the exact numbers of compression. All were over 200
Checked timing:
#1 top dead center compression stroke
The mark on pulley aligned with mark on timing cover
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Tuesday, January 20th, 2015 AT 10:35 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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So of course the crankshaft was aligned with the piston. So you never checked the actual camshaft timing? Thats the one that would be off.
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Wednesday, January 21st, 2015 AT 5:44 AM

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