Crank, no start?

Tiny
DYNAMIC16
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 CHRYSLER PACIFICA
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
The engine will crank but not start, cranking sounds off. The fuel pump and sending unit module have both been replaced. Initially it didn't start due to lack of fuel, changing pump made it work for a few days, then it returned to cranking but no start, had fuel up to the motor but not to the fuel rail, there was a 1-way valve in a small line before the rail it wasn't passing. Took line out and replaced with fuel line and now had pressure at the rail and it fired up and ran, ran for a week and now it is back to turning over but not running, with the odd cranking noise.
Monday, August 12th, 2024 AT 7:09 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

If possible, could you record it cranking and upload it for me to hear? Also, in most cases, a crank no start condition is either a fuel or ignition spark issue.

Just for curiosity, will it start if you use starting fluid? If it does and then stalls, we know it is a fuel related issue. If there is no change, then I need you to check for spark to the plugs.

Here is a link that explains how to check:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, August 12th, 2024 AT 8:23 PM
Tiny
DYNAMIC16
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I’m letting it sit overnight to see if it is flooded as the turnover noise almost sounded like no compression, but it was just running and driving the other day, but I’ll send you the audio tomorrow assuming it doesn’t start. If it does start, then I still have to figure out why.

Originally throwing fuel in it did make it run temporarily which is why I knew it wasn’t getting. Now it is getting fuel and when I threw some in I got nothing.

Also, I think I forgot to mention. If you put your foot on the peddle all the way and crank it, it will backfire hard out the intake after a few cranks. Would this happen if it wasn’t getting fuel or spark?

I pulled 2 plugs out they seemed a little wet. I’ll have to check your link just wasn’t sure how to check for spark on coil over plug since I can’t put the inline spark tester on those.

Thanks for your quick reply.
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Monday, August 12th, 2024 AT 8:32 PM
Tiny
DYNAMIC16
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Here are the videos as requested. The first was yesterday when I wanted to see if the motor was turning over or not cause the noise was so off.

The second is this morning. Still no start but sound more normal in the cranking now.
Videos (Click to make bigger)
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Tuesday, August 13th, 2024 AT 6:11 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

Don't crank it anymore. There is little or no compression and it will not start. It sounds like the timing belt has either broken or jumped time. This is an interference engine, so internal damage will occur if it is far enough off time.

We need to remove the timing belt cover to see if the timing is off. Listening to it, I am 99% sure that is the problem.

I attached the directions below for removing the cover. The last picture indicates the timing marks.

Let me know if this is something you are comfortable performing.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Tuesday, August 13th, 2024 AT 8:20 PM
Tiny
DYNAMIC16
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That is what is so maddeningly confusing to me about this. It is once again running and just fine again now. Yet it cranked like that. So how could it be the timing belt/compression?

I was messing around with it this morning to test for spark like you suggested and showed, had no spark. Did a little research with no spark and people said ASD relay or the grounds below the fuse box there (which looked fine) switched the ASD relay with the horn relay since same relay, and now I had spark, put the coil back in, and it fired up, although with a little bit of struggle and sputtering, but after that fire up first time no problem now

So not sure if what I did had any impact or it was a coincidence as this isn't the first time it magically worked after I was messing around with it, but I didn't touch this before.

Thoughts? This thing has for sure been confusing.
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Tuesday, August 13th, 2024 AT 8:31 PM
Tiny
DYNAMIC16
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  • 8 POSTS
Also, video to show it firing up and how it behaves currently.

Just drive it around too and no engine issues when driving.
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Tuesday, August 13th, 2024 AT 8:35 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
By any chance, has the engine oil been changed recently? I spoke with the site owner, and he indicated the wrong oil viscosity can prevent the oil from exiting the lifters. As a result, it holds the valves open (no compression) and then when it sits, the oil slowly drains off the lifters and you have compression again. So, with that in mind, was the oil recently changed and if so, what weight oil was used?

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, August 14th, 2024 AT 12:35 PM
Tiny
DYNAMIC16
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Yes, actually they changed the oil on it before they brought it to me to look at, as it was a coworker's vehicle. I don't know what they used but I can do an oil change on it for them and put the correct oil in and see if that makes a difference. On my site it calls for 5w30 or 10w30, would this be caused by too thick or too thin of oil and what do you recommend to use to try? Thanks
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Wednesday, August 14th, 2024 AT 12:41 PM
Tiny
DYNAMIC16
  • MEMBER
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I checked and 5w30 Lucas oil was put into it.
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Wednesday, August 14th, 2024 AT 12:48 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

They may have put something different in it by accident. Drain it and refill it with 5w30. I would also replace the oil filter.

Let me know if that resolves the issue. I have a feeling it will.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, August 14th, 2024 AT 12:54 PM
Tiny
DYNAMIC16
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Will do, thanks for the help, as this makes sense to me and so far, most things haven't as it did sound like lack of compression yet fixed itself with time or when it got hot enough in the day yet did fine on trips and driving. I appreciate the help and finding a possible solution that fits these weird symptoms. Will let you know.
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Wednesday, August 14th, 2024 AT 1:00 PM

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