View Full Version : Can't start my magna!
Knight
22-09-2007, 07:00 PM
Hi all,
I'm having trouble starting. The engine is turning over but no start (kinda like trying to start when you run out of petrol). There's more than a quarter tank of gas and if i keep trying maybe about 10-15 time it finally starts with lots of sputtering. But once it's started it goes like nothing was wrong until you switch off and try to start again.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Ravi
Ol' Fart
22-09-2007, 07:09 PM
You might have:
A weak battery
A weak coil
Dirty fuel filter or air filter
A dodgey starter moter (drawing too much current)
Dirty plugs or injectors
Ummmmmmmm gremlins .....wish I was there to take a look
Do the basics, check if its getting fuel, see if its getting spark and go from there. :D
BiG 4 CyL
22-09-2007, 07:47 PM
had a similar problem. if the basics dont do anything could be your dizzy, ignition module or MAF sensor
Madmagna
23-09-2007, 07:32 AM
V6 or 4cyl will make little difference to getting a compression test done, if the car eventually goes then compression is not likely to be an issue.
Ignition module will either work or not work, these are solid state units and once they go they are gone.
Poss causes, loss of fuel pressure due to either the pressure reg or the back flow valve in the pump being shagged. Could be leaking injector, the effect is that the car needs to push fuel through the system again and then pressureise it again. When you crank the fuel pump only pulses, for safety when the engine is not running the fuel pump will only pulse for a second or so when you hit the key initially.
Others? Connection to dist, this is a common problem in both 4 and 6 cyl. bad cap or rotor can cause cold start issues.
Starter is not likely to be an issue given it eventually starts. Magnabuff is right in the fact that a starter can be worn thus draw too much current which causes the starter relay not to get enough power to switch on the ecu. This will however not cause poor running on initial start up either.
Check the fuel system and dist connection first and work from there
Dave262
23-09-2007, 08:46 AM
If you can actually get the engine started, maybe also check the timing and make sure it's not too far retarded. Distributor may have rotated from a loose nut (although unlikely to be so severe).
In addition to the above suggestions, also check the distributor cap and rotor for wear or damage. A worn carbon pin in the middle of the cap can cause similar issues, especially in the damp weather (had similar problems while fixing a friends car). Check things such as spark plugs for excessive carbon buildup or wear and leads for any deterioration (run the car in the dark with no lights around and watch for glowing or arcing across the leads or listen for clicking noises). If the plugs are carboned up, it could be due to poor mixture resulting from a failed oxygen or temperature sensor or a clogged air filter.
Knight
24-09-2007, 02:26 PM
Now when I started driving the check engine lights comes on and sometimes stays on for about 5-10 mins...from what I've read in these forums I should take car to someone who can read ecu codes....maybe ill take it to my mechanic today :rant:
I think I should have also mentioned that a week ago one of my radiator hoses broke and had a put a few new hoses in...dunno if that changes anything
Thanks heaps for all you suggestions!
92gen2
24-09-2007, 05:08 PM
possible cracked head due to air bubbles? check o2 sensor and may very well be spark plugs
Alex
ts3.0
25-09-2007, 05:20 PM
same thing happened to me, not enough fuel on a hill
Powered by vBulletin™ Version 4.0.3 Copyright © 2016 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.