Car will crank but it will not start

PDMIS1

MEMBER
2001 BUICK CENTURY
3.1L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
175,000 MILES

My car was running good then it overheated. After that it was hard to start and it idled erratically. Water pump was leaking so I replaced it and the thermostat. I started it up and the same thing it ran bad and it started to overheat and the heater was blowing cold air. Well my radiator was leaking on the top plastic end opposite the cap. So I replaced my radiator. Now my car won't start. I triple checked all my plugs and everything is connected. So I think it's my crank position sensor. But I don't know for sure. Any ideas?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,289 POSTS

Hi,

How badly was it originally overheated? There could be an issue with a head gasket or even a warped head. Take a look through this link. It discusses common symptoms of a bad head gasket as well as how to check.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

As far as the crankshaft position sensor, if it is bad, you will not have spark to the spark plugs. Here is a link that explains how to check for spark:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Here is one more link that explains the most common causes of a crank no start condition:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Check these few things and let me know what is found. If you have additional questions, let me know.

Take care,
Joe