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No start, no compression

Tiny
RAMONA WILLIAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 HYUNDAI GENESIS
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 142 MILES
My car was running like a charm, no noise, no banging or misfiring, no indication lights, no smoke etc, and she never stalled or gave any indication of a problem. Running just beautiful as I maintain her and get my oil changes at 5,000 to 7,000. I parked her on Friday evening and went to start it Monday morning, and she's cranking but won't start. Battery is new so all electrical is working. Had her towed to my mechanic (new mechanic), and he just did a test with his finger in one hole and said there is no compression and that I need a new engine. He didn't check anything else, nor use a compression gauge, just said that the plugs were wet and smelled of gasoline. Oh, and my car is almost on empty for gasoline as well. 1 notch above empty so I'm wondering if that would cause her not to start. Perhaps my gas gauge is not reading accurately. Before I tow her to the dealership for a second opinion, any input would be greatly appreciated as I'm female, and we all know how that goes. I'm just in shock, because as I mentioned she runs beautifully, and there was zero indication of a problem. Help!
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Monday, July 20th, 2020 AT 11:44 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

The timing chain can fail at anytime. There is no warning.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-timing-belt-works

How many miles on the car? It should be changed at 150,000 miles as preventive maintenance so this does not happen.

His test was little out there but accurate. If there is no compression, it is an interference engine which means you have valve damage and possible piston damage. We would also recommend a replacement engine as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-low-compression

The dealer will charge you a lot more than an independent shop. I would inquire about a used engine as that will cut the cost in half.

Roy
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Monday, July 20th, 2020 AT 12:23 PM
Tiny
RAMONA WILLIAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Hello and thanks for your quick response! My car has 142,000 kms on it. I was afraid of the answer, but am still baffled that my engine would be blown as she was running, and idling beautifully without any service engine light, noise, etc. Do you think that if I have her towed to the dealership and have them run diagnostics that they may find the problem to be not as bad as a blown engine. Also I do not recall if he said "low" or "no" compression. All he said was it should have blown his finger out of the hole if it had compression. Thanks again for your response.
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Monday, July 20th, 2020 AT 12:38 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You could take it to the dealer. They will most likely charge you about $200.00 for a diagnosis and come back with the same result.

It can be fine one minute and not be fine the next. It is just like us. You can feel great now and the next minute have a bad heart attack with no warning.

I just do not want you to spend a lot of money to find the end result is the same.

Roy
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Monday, July 20th, 2020 AT 12:50 PM
Tiny
RAMONA WILLIAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Ugh. I knew you were going to say that, and also as I expected. Just thought a second opinion would make me feel better as I felt his 5 minute test was not thorough enough to determine a new engine. Now if he said low compression would that be the same outcome as no compression meaning I would need a new engine still or could it be something like the timing belt, or camshaft etc, that would be cheaper to fix?
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Monday, July 20th, 2020 AT 1:18 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
It would indicate the chain moved or failed but could still cause the same damage.

I would at least get a bid on a used motor from him and if you take it for a second opinion, compare the 2 prices.

Roy
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Monday, July 20th, 2020 AT 1:29 PM
Tiny
RAMONA WILLIAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks so much for your input Roy. Much appreciated! I've already accepted "kind of" that I'm into a new engine. Quotes have come in at $3,200.00 ish for used engine, less kms, and installed with fluids. Do you think it's a good idea or should I just sell her as is? This car owes me nothing at all, but in the past year I've put some money into her. She has new brakes front and back, 2 new front springs, new battery, new blower motor for the heating/AC, 4 new tires (not even 100 kms on them) and a new front driver side bearing. I'd rather not get into financing a new vehicle, but if installing a new engine can just lead to more problems, I'm not interested at all! Your opinion, and last question I promise! :)
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Monday, July 20th, 2020 AT 1:47 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, you would get next to nothing selling it as is.

The $3,200.00 is a good price. It is sales tax on a new car.

I would definitely consider a used motor and then you know what you have.

Roy
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Monday, July 20th, 2020 AT 1:51 PM
Tiny
RAMONA WILLIAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I thought it a decent price as well, and good point! Not looking to finance. Thank you again for all your help! So glad I stopped in to ask.
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Monday, July 20th, 2020 AT 5:20 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Never stop asking questions until you know the hole story.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Monday, July 20th, 2020 AT 5:29 PM

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