I just went outside and did a couple things. First, I taped a paper towel over the exhaust pipe to see if it would come off when I cranked the starter -- it did. While I was cranking I varied accelerator pedal position (per suggestions above) because I think I only tried to start it before with the accelerator all the way up or all the way down, and it occurred to me that WOT might be a "flood clear" mode and so useless for diagnostics. When I was varying the pedal position I got a little bit of feedback from the engine. I wouldn't say it was trying to start, but it was definitely a sound of "life". It seems like the cranking sounded a bit different too which could've been caused by whatever pathetic combustion was going on or could just be me being tired.
When I went back around to pick up the paper towel I smelled raw fuel in the exhaust. I think this is more evidence that fuel isn't the problem (again, taking into account how it died originally).
Originally Posted By: mechanicx
It'd be good if you could get any of a spark tester and timing light on it, spray a little starting fluid in the intake, compression test and maybe if you can constrict return line to kill the suspense
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I already hooked up a timing light just to see if it would flash, but I can't use it to check timing b/c there's no mark on the pulley -- timing has to be checked with a scanner (and not just any scanner). Spark tester might be interesting but won't tell anything about timing.
Originally Posted By: Vikas
If you print this topic, you will find probably half dozen or more different ideas and some of them need no new tools or very little work.
I still think you have very poor ignition and the spark that you saw is just not enough to fire under the compression as you said the car did not die as if running out of fuel but rather running out of spark.
I'm trying to go through these suggestions. To take your earlier approach, here's my take on the various possibilities. Please anyone correct me if I'm wrong.
- Air: I'm considering this ruled out because the intake is clear and the engine is apparently pumping air.
- Fuel: I think the evidence is against this one but if anyone still thinks I need to try starting fluid I will do that.
- Spark (strength and timing): Not ruled out, can test with spark tester or just replace components.
- Compression: Not ruled out. Will do a compression check on at least a few cylinders as the next step.
- Cam timing: Not ruled out but compression check confirm or rule this out too.
I won't be able to touch it for a few days at this point but next weekend I should have some solid time in the daylight, when I'll check compression, and I can go get starting fluid and a spark tester if that would still be a good idea. Otherwise I'll probably start taking apart the ignition and at least see how it looks.