Introduction/Question about a "no start" condition

[MightyRiga]

I am 17, have been driving a beater Dodge Intrepid for over a year, and now a 1996 Talon TSi has fallen into my hands. Me and my dad rebuilt the engine, and now I will be driving it. I live in Michigan, and if there are any questions, just ask!

Now, for my question. The rebuild occurred 464 miles ago. Everything was running fine, no problems. I drove it to school one day, no problems. I stalled it after school (not used to driving a *new* clutch, too grippy), and it had problems firing. Floored gas and cranked, eventually fired. All good. Few days later, I am moving it around the driveway, stall it again (I can drive a stick, honest). This time, no start. Cranks fine. Gets fuel, has spark, spark plugs in order, and ran fine for 464 miles before this. What could the problem be? Checked timing and ran diagnostics as well. Thanks in advance.

Nik

 

[Glliw]

Is the BOV recirculated? Check to see it the MAS is plugged in.

 

[MightyRiga]

To get it started? I have little knowledge, particularly hands on, but I thought that only effected when it ran/drove. It will not start.

 

[Glliw]

It can make it run really crappy, I have had the mas unplugged before and it would stall right out after starting, or stumble real bad. You should recirculate anyway unless ## running a MAFT. The car will thank you. I would check for boost leaks.

 

[Defiant]

Make sure your timing belt's not jumped.

 

[smokey8667]

do a compression test, if it has fuel(maybe do a pressure test to see if that is enough pressure), fire(if its a good blue spark), and air coming in its gotta be something with the compression and i'd bet it is timing.

 

[MightyRiga]

I think we may check compression. It isn't timing, unless it jumped 180 degrees.

Would it be anything to do with the ECU capacitors?

 

[hewhoisknot]

No I doubt it's the ECU since you're still getting both spark and fuel. I think a compression test is your best course of action. I could be an unplugged wire but if you were able to get it started before I doubt it because when i left the maf unplugged once (shhhhhh dun tell no body) It would not start at all. But yeah since you've got fuel and spark I would worry about something else before you assume it's the ecu.

BUN

 

[MightyRiga]

Could someone link me on what compression tester to buy? Can't you build one, or is that boost leak I'm thinking about? I am at school, so don't have much time to look. Thanks in advance and for the replies so far!

Edit - Thanks for renaming/moving the topic. I am sorry, I didn't pay attention to the stickies, but then didn't want to create another topic for the same thing. Won't happen again.

 

[blackbyrd]

http://www.dsmgrrrl.com/FAQs/compression.htm
Advance Auto, Auto Zone, NAPA,Harbor freight has them.
You could make your own if you wanted, but it'd probably be easier and not much more expensive to buy one. Harbor freight has them really cheap, about 15$ for the tester, adapters, hard case.
And yes, that is boost leak tester your thinking of, http://www.vfaq.com/mods/ICtester.html .

 

[MightyRiga]

So it can lose compression just by stalling? It fired right up, I stalled it, and now it won't fire at all. Just to be sure that we are all clear on that. I wasn't aware that compression could be lost like that, but I have never researched it at all, so yea. Thanks!

 

[smokey8667]

Oh, I just thought of this, I had a problem with my car not starting because of almost the same thing and it was the set of ngk bpr8es plugs in my car. I had to change them and once the car was running I had to let it idle forever to get the fuel out. Anyway what I'm gettin at is it dumped fuel for some reason when stalled and drowned the plugs out. I dont know if you trie changing plugs or not but it may be worth it.

 

[boosted92laser]

Oh, I just thought of this, I had a problem with my car not starting because of almost the same thing and it was the set of ngk bpr8es plugs in my car. I had to change them and once the car was running I had to let it idle forever to get the fuel out. Anyway what I'm gettin at is it dumped fuel for some reason when stalled and drowned the plugs out. I dont know if you trie changing plugs or not but it may be worth it.

i had the exact same problem. i had a set of new bpr6es and they flooded out and th eengine wouldn't start for a few days. i threw a new set of bpr7es in it and it started right up. it was an easy fix, that took me three days to figure out.

 

[MightyRiga]

Thanks for the ideas on spark plugs/wires.

However, they were just put on, and it started fine with the other ones. They are in order. The car has been sitting for two weeks now, so it shouldn't be flooded anymore. I don't recall what kind of plugs/wires are in, but are there any brands to specifically avoid?

 

[smokey8667]

i've got ngk bpr8es plugs gapped at .28 and magnacore wires. I would atleast recomend ngk plugs

 

[MightyRiga]

I will see what kind of spark plugs we put on.

Another thought I figured I should ask about...When cranking, the boost gauge rises to about halfway (no idea on units or anything, so the least you could do is educate me on that ). Is this supposed to happen, or does that mean that something is wrong?

 

[blackbyrd]

half way? Does it move to the 0? Same place it'll sit if you just put your igntion switch in the on position?

 

[MightyRiga]

Yea, it goes from bottom up to about halfway. Is that normal?

 

[blackbyrd]

You don't have any markings on the gauge? I really can't tell you if it's normal from "halfway". You need an aftermarket gauge, 25-50$ will get you a decent one.
Normaly it should rest on the 0 in the on position, as theres no vacuum or boost.

 

[MightyRiga]

It's the stock gauage. I plan on an aftermarket one, as well as turbo timer. Not till we get it running, of course.

So, since it is showing boost, what could be the problem there?

Tell ya what, once I get home, I'll take a pic of it while cranking. That work?

 

[blackbyrd]

If its the stock gauge it has markings on it..

 

[MightyRiga]

As you could tell, I didn't take a close look at it. Main thing was seeing if it would start, and I just noted that, without specifics. I'll get specifics by this evening for you though.

 

[blackbyrd]

Ah, I think I remember noticing the 2g's don't have numbers, but they do have slashes/marks. Use those to better describe it.. I still doubt it's connected iwth the no start issue though, you never know...

 

[smokey8667]

di you get to do the compression test?? also I would still change those plugs or at least clean them good. Its better safe than sorry. It should be close to these compression numbers at 464 miles. The rings should be close to seated if they havent already.
2G (95-99) T/E
2.0L 4G63 Turbo engine
Compression ratio 8.5:1 Standard compression 178 psi Service limit 133 psi
I dont know if you had that already or not, but I thought I would stick it in there for you.

 

[MightyRiga]

Thank you for the compression specs. We will check it sometime next week as we are gone this weekend. Please keep the ideas coming though!

Also, the rings have seated. No smoke or anything to be reported.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

Image was originally found in the gallery from Kakoriat. Best example I could find, and I painted the line in where the gauge usually goes up to while cranking. Thanks!