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Crank no start issue?

Tiny
TONY02
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 FORD EXPLORER
  • 175,000 MILES
I have the vehicle listed above that cranks but doesn’t want to start. I checked fuel, spark, compression, and air everything is good. The only thing I haven’t checked is the timing, but wouldn’t the timing affect the compression if that was the problem?
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Thursday, December 19th, 2024 AT 2:58 PM

14 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,983 POSTS
Hi,

If the engine timing (crankshaft/camshafts) timing was off, it would cause a loss of compression. If that part is correct but the ignition timing was off (spark to plugs), that wouldn't affect compression.

If you have fuel, spark, compression, and correct timing, the engine has no choice but to run. Do me a favor, if you are confident the aforementioned components are working properly, I need you to locate the violet wire with a white tracer at one of the fuel injectors. Each injector will have one that color and one a different color. That is the power supply.

Check one or more of those wires with the key in the run position to confirm there is power. Also, let me know what the compression is as well as the fuel pressure.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Thursday, December 19th, 2024 AT 6:21 PM
Tiny
TONY02
  • MEMBER
  • 79 POSTS
I believe the fuel injectors are getting power because when I loosened the fuel rail and lifted it up a bit I cranked it and had fuel shooting out the injectors as far as the wiring I haven’t checked that but I can if you need me to, but I’m not sure if it’s a fuel problem because even when I put starting fluid in the intake it still doesn’t want to start.
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Thursday, December 19th, 2024 AT 9:31 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,983 POSTS
If starting fluid doesn't change things, are you certain you have spark at the plugs? If you do, then you need to check compression again. Let me know what you find.

If I don't hear from you, I hope you have a nice Christmas.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, December 20th, 2024 AT 7:20 PM
Tiny
TONY02
  • MEMBER
  • 79 POSTS
Yes, I connected an inline spark tester and have spark on all 6 plugs and as far as compression goes, I have about 125-130 on all 6 cylinders.
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Friday, December 20th, 2024 AT 9:16 PM
Tiny
TONY02
  • MEMBER
  • 79 POSTS
That’s why I’m really confused as to why the car isn’t starting.
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Friday, December 20th, 2024 AT 9:18 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,983 POSTS
If you have spark, fuel, and compression, the only other thing left is timing. Is it possible for you to record it cranking and upload it for me to hear?

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, December 21st, 2024 AT 9:03 PM
Tiny
TONY02
  • MEMBER
  • 79 POSTS
Here’s the video.
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Wednesday, December 25th, 2024 AT 7:23 PM
Tiny
TONY02
  • MEMBER
  • 79 POSTS
This also another video of me checking spark I checked all six cylinders, and they all give me spark I also checked compression on them, and I have a little over 120 for all 6 cylinders.
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Wednesday, December 25th, 2024 AT 7:25 PM
Tiny
TONY02
  • MEMBER
  • 79 POSTS
And here’s a picture of the psi of my fuel rail pressure I also double checked it by taking the fuel rail off and I have fuel spitting out sidenote my car battery was starting to drain from me leaving the key in the on position for a long time I took off and have it on the charger now.
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Wednesday, December 25th, 2024 AT 7:29 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,983 POSTS
Hi,

I hear it trying to start so fuel and spark are present. How old are the spark plugs?

Joe
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Thursday, December 26th, 2024 AT 9:54 PM
Tiny
TONY02
  • MEMBER
  • 79 POSTS
I would say 3 months old I just did new spark plugs and wires not too long ago.
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Friday, December 27th, 2024 AT 2:10 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,983 POSTS
Hi,

Do me a favor. Remove a couple of the plugs and see if they are wet. Since it hits on a few cylinders when you try starting it, we may have fouled some. Also, make sure none of the spark plug wires short on the exhaust manifolds. I've seen that happen several times and prevent vehicles from starting.

Let me know what they look like.

Joe
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Saturday, December 28th, 2024 AT 9:01 PM
Tiny
TONY02
  • MEMBER
  • 79 POSTS
All the plugs were dry when I took them out to do the compression test and far as the wires go, they look fine they don’t look like there shorted.
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Saturday, December 28th, 2024 AT 11:49 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,969 POSTS
Were the spark plug carbon fouled? Also, have you tried starting fluid to see if that makes a difference? Please go over this video which can help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXLJbuAZ4CE&t

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Tuesday, December 31st, 2024 AT 10:13 AM

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