Crank no start issue?

Tiny
JEFF HERMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 HONDA CRV
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Battery fully charged. Hot blue spark in at least one cylinder. Have not checked Noid light injector pulse. The fuel pump runs and when pedaling is held to the floor there is a strong odor of gas. No engine codes. Wouldn't a crank or cam sensor throw a code? No fire when carb cleaner sprayed directly into cylinder or throttle body. No Schrader valve on fuel rail. Possible bad oil pressure sensor due to oil on left side of engine? Is this a timing issue?
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Monday, May 15th, 2023 AT 12:21 PM

52 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,144 POSTS
This sounds like you have a clogged cat?
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Monday, May 15th, 2023 AT 3:06 PM
Tiny
JEFF HERMAN
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  • 486 POSTS
I was hoping you had the magic answer. Lol As you can tell this isn't my first rodeo. Potentially buying this vehicle but want to hear it run 1st. Next up the Noid light and I've made a long extension wire so I can put the light on the dash and watch it. Also need to check other 3 cylinders for spark. Why wouldn't I have gotten fire with carb cleaner right down the cylinder that had spark? Shouldn't it have at least popped?
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Monday, May 15th, 2023 AT 4:50 PM
Tiny
JEFF HERMAN
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  • 486 POSTS
Spark in all 4, injector pulse to all 4. 120-125 psi all 4. When cranking the plugs don't get wet. Going to check fuel pressure next. Unfortunately no Schrader valve on the rail.
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Friday, May 19th, 2023 AT 9:21 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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I would check for a plugged exhaust system, crank the engine over and hold your hand over the exhaust outlet to see if air is pumped out. Also, can you upload a short video of the engine cranking over so I can hear it? That would be great.
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Saturday, May 20th, 2023 AT 2:16 PM
Tiny
JEFF HERMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 486 POSTS
How could a plugged exhaust keep it from firing? It also has decent, even compression. I wanted to check fuel pressure at the rail today but was unable to tie in a gauge anywhere. The line to the rail only has quick connects. There is fuel under pressure at what I'm assuming is the pressure regulator or monitor, whatever Honda calls it. How can the injectors have steady pulse but not supply fuel? I'm going to connect a gauge to where the regulator goes. See photo. When you crank it, it tries to fire. Fuel pressure will reveal some answers, I think. The green clip is the fuel supply to the rail.
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Sunday, May 21st, 2023 AT 6:37 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Does it run on starting fluid?
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Monday, May 22nd, 2023 AT 11:23 AM
Tiny
JEFF HERMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 486 POSTS
It didn't on carb cleaner. I usually use that or straight gas. Have to try, the vehicle is not at my house. I'm trying to get it running to avoid hauling it.
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Monday, May 22nd, 2023 AT 11:46 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Okay, let's check for spark, this video should help us:

https://youtu.be/baq_aEWNQ0Y

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 AT 10:21 AM
Tiny
JEFF HERMAN
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  • 486 POSTS
I already determined it has spark from all four coils by grounding the plug itself against a bolt and observing the spark in the plug gap.
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Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 AT 3:29 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Will it run on starting fluid?
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Thursday, May 25th, 2023 AT 4:58 PM
Tiny
JEFF HERMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 486 POSTS
Going to try when I get a chance and I will let you know.
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Thursday, May 25th, 2023 AT 7:26 PM
Tiny
JEFF HERMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 486 POSTS
Pulled rail and injectors. It's getting good spray. Won't fire on starting fluid into the air intake or cylinder. Crank sensor? No codes.
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Saturday, May 27th, 2023 AT 11:41 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Have you been able to make any progress? I noticed it has been a couple of days since we made contact. Also, above you mentioned it is getting spark but won't fire with starting fluid. If that is the case, either we lost compression, or the timing is off. Is it possible for you to record it cranking and upload it for us to hear? We should be able to tell if it is a timing issue or a compression issue.

If you have spark, the crankshaft position sensor isn't the issue.

Let us know.

Joe
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Monday, May 29th, 2023 AT 8:51 PM
Tiny
JEFF HERMAN
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  • 486 POSTS
I will try to get a recording. Cold compression was 120,125,125, and 125.
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Monday, May 29th, 2023 AT 9:00 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

New, the compression would have been around 135 psi, so you are not far off. That doesn't sound like an issue. Also, if that is the compression (120-125) chances are the timing is correct or very close.

Let us hear it cranking if possible. Here is the thing. If compression, timing, spark, and fuel are present, the engine has no choice but to run or at least try to. We are missing something simple.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, May 30th, 2023 AT 8:58 PM
Tiny
JEFF HERMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 486 POSTS
Here are a couple short cranking videos. The battery is low so it is connected to a second battery. You can hear it try to fire.
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Saturday, June 3rd, 2023 AT 7:33 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

It sounds off when cranking. You're sure the timing is correct, and the compression is even? I did hear it fire off a couple of times but that's it.

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, June 4th, 2023 AT 9:08 PM
Tiny
JEFF HERMAN
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I suspect it jumped time. I haven't checked it. When I checked compression was even.
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Sunday, June 4th, 2023 AT 9:21 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I attached all the timing mark information below. Remember, this is an interference engine. We don't want it to jump too far.

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pics below.
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Sunday, June 4th, 2023 AT 10:07 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Yep, that engine does not sound good, I would definitely check the compression.

Here is a guide to help:

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

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/the-reasons-for-low-compression

Please go over these guides and get back to us.
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Monday, June 5th, 2023 AT 11:40 AM

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