Cranks but won't start, intermittent

ROCH2NITE

MEMBER
1990 HONDA CRX
158,000 MILES

I have fuel, compression, spark and it doesn't even try to start. It has left me sit 3 times because it was running, but shut off. It now hasn't started since the last time. It crank, I see fuel spraying down the throttle body, I pulled different plugs and see a reddish spark, but the plugs seem wet with fuel. I've cleaned and dried the plugs and even tried another set. I'm using a Chiltons manual to troubleshoot, but I'm at the point it doesn't seem to tell me enough detail. Is it possible that the spark is not delivered at the right time? I'm used to non-computer controlled engines with mechnical timing. Does this engine need feedback from sensors at startup in order to kick over. Is this reddish spark enough to ignite the fuel? What test can I perform to troubleshoot further?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,716 POSTS

Yes, the timing could be out causing it to spark at the wrong time. However, usually you would get a backfire or something like that. My one concern is that the spark is a redish. It should be a hot blue snapping spark. The spark may actually be too weak to ignite the fuel. May want to check the coil and crank sensor. Also, try this. Pull the fuse for the injector so no fuel sprays into the engine. Make sure the plugs are dry and try starting it with starting fluid only. See if it will run for a few seconds. If it does, then we know the timing is okay and most likely there is too much fuel to the engine or back to a weak spark. Starting fluid will burn easier than gas.

Let me know what you find.