Engine problem, please HELP!!!, Engine only starts sometimes Options

[hokuten3]

i have a 5sfe engine. and sometimes the the car won't start. so im not sure what the problem is. im thinking its the computer, because it seems like the distrubutor isn't getting a spark, which would mean the computer right? what do you guys think? thanks

This post has been edited by hokuten3: Sep 8, 2010 - 8:25 PM

[cyberblader1130]

Does the engine turn over every time?

[Smaay]

your description is way too vauge. sorry i cant help you much. does it turn over every time just not start?

[hokuten3]

your description is way too vauge. sorry i cant help you much. does it turn over every time just not start?

you mean the key turning over? the key turns when i start the engine and it sounds like the engine is about to start. but it just never starts. but then sometime, when i turn it on, it starts fine, like nothing is wrong with it.

Does the engine turn over every time?

what do you mean by "does the engine turn over?"

[njccmd2002]

battery, or check the starter.

[hokuten3]

battery, or check the starter.

i know its not the battery, cause i just got a new one for it like a week ago. i'll check the starter...but i don't think its that either.

[rjbibeau]

check the ground...its prob dirty

[hokuten3]

so i changed the distrubutor today. and it starts now. but it still sounds like its sortof struggling to start on the first couple times when i started it. hopefully it doesn't die on me. thanks guys

This post has been edited by hokuten3: Sep 7, 2010 - 10:53 PM

[hokuten3]

so i changed the distrubutor today. and it starts now. but it still sounds like its sortof struggling to start on the first couple times when i started it. hopefully it doesn't die on me. thanks guys

[stephen_lee]

check spark timing

[hokuten3]

okay. so the engine won't start. and i checked to see if the engine is getting a spark or not, and there weren't any spark. so what could it be?

[stephen_lee]

coil.
if not that, ignitor.
if not that, wiring.
if not that, ECM.

[hokuten3]

coil.
if not that, ignitor.
if not that, wiring.
if not that, ECM.

when you say COIL, do you mean the ignition coil?

[mt953]

have you looked at the spark plugs any?

[hokuten3]

have you looked at the spark plugs any?

yea. i just changed new spark plugs, new spark plug wires, new coil, used ignitor, used fuel pump, rebuilt distributor. its getting spark and fuel. it cranks, but it just doesn't start. so, i have no clue of what it could be now. im absolutly out of ideas.

[stephen_lee]

yes, ignition coil

[hokuten3]

well, i changed the coil, and nothing happened. any other ideas?

[EKAn]

its getting spark and fuel.

is it getting air? is there something clogging your intake?

[95CelicaST]

If you have spark and fuel then you need to check your timing. You might have the distributor installed 180° off. You should also do a compression test.

[SupraKid]

Ok ok ok...


When you turn the key...what happens? Does the engine attempt to start or does it just not do anything?
When your starting the car do you smell gas like its running rich?
How many miles on this engine?
Is the check engine light on?
When it DID start and run, after it was warm did you still notice any problems?
Have you done anything recently before this problem started?

i would say also reset your ecu, unplug the battery completely (+ and -) and leave it for about 5 minutes. Come back and plug it in a try again. If it starts let it idle for about 5 minutes, then take it for a drive. This will reset your ecu to OEM standards as far as fuel/air mix..