Cranks but wont start

Tiny
HOMIEJUAN2890
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 ACURA TL
  • 3.2L
  • 6 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 6,000 MILES
Car was overheating and was about to replace water pump. But when the mechanic removed belts he said pump was good. I was told the timing was off by two mml's so I should replace belt. Now after replacing timing belt, spark plugs, fuel pump, relay and battery car just cranks. It was running fine just overheating now and then. I have invested a lot of money into parts and labor. Can somebody help me as to why this is happening. This is my only vehicle and gets me to my doctor appointments.
Wednesday, August 10th, 2016 AT 5:11 PM

20 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Why was the fuel pump replaced if it was running fine? Also the fuel pump relay? So the timing belt was off by two teeth? That would effect the way it would run if that was the case. How many miles on it?
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
CATAFINA
  • MECHANIC
  • 98 POSTS
Probably the valve timing is off. Recheck it.
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
HOMIEJUAN2890
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  • 11 POSTS
We first replaced timing belt and car would not crank after several adjustments car started cranking but will not start. I started replacing parts thinking they could be the problem, but nothing. Not sure on mileage. Any idea?
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
HOMIEJUAN2890
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Okay, will have them check the valve timing.
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
That is where I would start if it ran fine before if this is a shop they should not be having these problems.
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
HOMIEJUAN2890
  • MEMBER
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Ok, thank you.
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
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You are welcome.
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
HOMIEJUAN2890
  • MEMBER
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Ok, so the guy says that he checked the valve timing, has it on number 1 and engine is just cranking not starting. Anything else he should check.
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
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Not sure what you mean he has it on number 1?Also in the beginning there were several adjustments made to get it cranking?Not sure what you ment by that as well. Also what was it doing before all these adjustments?
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
HOMIEJUAN2890
  • MEMBER
  • 11 POSTS
Before all the adjustments car was running fine except for occasional overheating. Adjustments weren't made until after timing belt was replaced and car would not start. Can anyone sent me a pic of timing belt setting.
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
HOMIEJUAN2890
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The guy says its cranking but seems like gas might not be passing. Car started right away before timing belt was replaced. I'm lost not sure where to go from here. We cant figure out what's wrong. Any suggestions would be welcomed at this point.
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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So is this a shop or shade tree mechanic fixing it?
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
If it ran before the timing belt then I would say something with the belt timing.
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
HOMIEJUAN2890
  • MEMBER
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Shade tree mechanic, thats why we need your help. He is usually on point but stumped. Poor guy picked up the job after our **** cousin took off the belts and never came back to put timing belt on.
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
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Take some pictures of the belt in time and post them for me to look at.
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
HOMIEJUAN2890
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Ok
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,138 POSTS
I would start with a compression test to see if you even have compression and go from there.

here is a guide on how to do that.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Let us know what you find

Best, Ken

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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:32 PM
Tiny
HOMIEJUAN2890
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Here is a pic
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:32 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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I see the belt but can't see the timing marks on the cams or the crank?
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Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 AT 2:32 PM

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