car really pissing me off

[GSEclipse06]

ok so my car was completley stone dead this morning, left a light on and it killed my battery. i tried for half an hour to jump it but it didnt work because of the other starting problem ive been having (see "CEL followed by nonstart"). spent half an hour with cables hooked up this morning, couldnt get more than a few turnovers before it would stall, every time. came home between regular and tech school, again spent half an hour with cables and a few times with a jumpak...nothin...same results, or even less. got home, kept trying with the jumpak...stiiilll same results. finally i decided to replace the valve cover. better, but it still wont do more than a few chugs before dying. i have the battery out right now to go charge it but im really wondering if thats all thats it. like i siad, i replaced the cracked valve cover, hoping maybe that's causing a loss of vacuum and with it replaced my starting issues will stop. does anyone have any other ideas to what it could be?

 

[GSEclipse06]

i dont mean to bump this thread but im desparate and need my car to start, now.

i recharged the battery but it still wont start. i dont get any more than a few chugs before it dies again. this thing is driving me insane, nad whats worse im very dependent on my car. it sounds like im getting no compression but i cant find anything missing anywhere. all hoses seem to be in place yet it still sounds like lack of vacuum someone PLEASE help me with this i really need it.

 

[ADrewzki]

How old is your battery? And what brand is it? If it's some off-the-shelf walmart brand, it might be time for a new one. I think that your battery might just be too old to be any good. Have you tried a new battery yet or had yours tested?

 

[Old Mitsu Tech]

A couple of things. First remove the spark plugs and look at them. If they are black and wet, replace them.

While you have them out, do a compression test. Just to humor me if for no other reason.

Post your results

Good Luck

 

[dalatinromeo]

I would recommemd buying a new battery. Keep us posted with any new changes

 

[GSEclipse06]

but do you think it could really be the battery? ill check the spark plugs but i dont have the means to do a compression test at my house. the battery thats in there is an older NAPA one or atleast thats what it looks like. the guy i bought it from said it was new when i bought it in May but it doesnt look brand new.

 

[knighteclipse1]

Time for a new battery, next time, try not to leave your lights on. Do check those spark plugs though, even if you can't do the compression check right now. New battery should fix you up. Good luck.

 

[GSEclipse06]

well i tried to start with some starter fluid in the t/b.....no luck. finally i jsut said f*ck it and had it towed. while bullshitting with a guy from the shop we found the coolant sensor unplugged which i hope explains the start issues and rough idle after a cold start. he's replacing the dist cap (it needs done i just hadnt gotten to it yet) and recharging the battery and we'll see where that gets us.

also i didnt get to do a compression test but i did a while ago and if i recall the results were ~150 for all 4, but according to what ive found on the 1.8 it should be 185. is that real bad?

 

[GSEclipse06]

well had the cap/rotor replaced and that combined with the plug being in its running fine now. that figures.