Cranking but will not start?

DDANI

MEMBER
2004 HONDA ACCORD
3.0L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
185,000 MILES

Hello, it’s cranking but won’t start. If you try a few times it does start for a few seconds, then shakes, misfires, and a lot of white smoke from the tail then turns off. And yes, I tried with starter fluid too. No Engine codes. Checked with few machines and some of their advice was battery, spark plug, coils, some head gaskets, some manifold gaskets, MAP sensor, fuel pump, fuel injector, few of the relay, throttle body, 2 of the O2 sensor and immobilizer system. And changed each one of them but still won’t start. Any suggestions or anyone From DFW area can help me out that would be highly appreciated. Thanks.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,269 POSTS

Hi,

The idea that you see a lot of white smoke has me concerned. I assume that is from the exhaust. By any chance, is the engine coolant getting low?

Do me a favor. If you could, record it cranking and upload it for me to hear. It sounds like a lot of parts have been replaced. I'm questioning if it is a timing belt issue or a head gasket-related issue.

Let me know. Also, take a look through this link and let me know if anything mirrors what you are seeing:

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

I do have one more request. If possible, remove a couple of the spark plugs and let me know what they look like, or send a picture of them. I ask because spark plugs will often be a whiteish-gray color and chalky if coolant is being burned.

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe