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Strange starting issue

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Vegas Smith

20+ Year Contributor
5,193
3,153
Dec 2, 2002
Houston, Texas
Hello folks, I bought a 93 awd talon a few weeks. At the time it took about 10 or so tries to start the car. For example, it seemed to have a short and you would have to turn the key about ten times before the starter would connect, and the car would then startup. Well I haven't touched the car in 2 weeks and now I'm back and it's refusing to even rotate. I replaced the starter the car will barely rotate even really rotate even by hand. I've tried rotating it with a large ratchet and it comes turns half a revolution then rolls back. Here is a video of the issue. Thanks for any help.

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Can you check the timing marks? Sounds like the timing jumped a few teeth. Is your battery charged enough to even start the car? All ground and power cables tight and clean? I would stop trying till you can confirm timing is on.
 
You think I should buy a timing light or take a look at the timing mark while the engine is off? Yes, car was being jumped at the time and all connections appear to be good.
 
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Timing light only works with a running engine and is used to check base timing. You need to confirm mechanical timing by lining up the crank mark and the cam marks. Make sure dowels in the cams are pointing up.
 

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I have not been able to remove the cover yet, but the engine will turn by hand now. It feels like some type of electrical short. Check out the last video:

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The power line to the starer (thick one) seemed pretty beat up and frayed so maybe it's just not getting enough power. It doesn't appear to be touching anything though.
 
I would make sure your connections on your battery terminals are on tight. I had this same thing happen once and I jiggled the connections around and tightened them up and it started.
 
Unfortunately the car is in another city, so I won't be able to work on it for a week. I remember the power cable to the starter seemed damaged right before the red boot on the terminal. I wonder if that damage could cause the problem. I have no idea what the problem would be if not for that. Thanks for the suggestions.
 
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