Engine cranks, but does not start

INFANTRYMAN11C

MEMBER
2000 HONDA ACCORD
2.3L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
230,000 MILES

I have the car listed above LX model. It will crank but not start. At first the crank was rough sounding, but I have since changed the fuel injection control module, the fuel injectors, the distributor cap, distributor rotor, spark plugs and wires, crank shaft position sensor and the starter. Its crank sounds better and stronger but still won't start. I'm at a loss as to what to do next.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

Hang in there. We'll get this figured out.

Now, when there is a crank no start, in most cases either spark or fuel is lost to the engine. However, in this case, you mentioned it sounded odd cranking. If possible, please record it cranking and upload it so I can hear it. I realize it sounds better now, but I need to hear it.

Next, until I get the video, I need you to try something. See if it starts for a couple of seconds and then stalls if you use starting fluid. If it does, then we know it's a fuel-related issue. If there is no change, then it is likely ignition related. At this point, I need you to check for spark at the spark plugs. Here is a link that explains how this is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Try this and let me know the results. Also, I wanted to hear it cranking because of what you indicated. I can usually tell by hearing it if there is a timing-related issue.

Take care and let me know what you find.

Joe

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Wednesday, May 18th, 2022 AT 8:39 PM

INFANTRYMAN11C

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Hi Joe,

So, I went to take a video of the car cranking but when I was doing it, I heard a clunking sound coming from the timing belt area. Once I got everything torn back apart, I discovered that the crank position sensor had been destroyed in the same fashion the last one did as well as the timing belt being shredded again. I'm assuming the sensor is what caused the belt to shred but I'm not sure what's causing the sensor to break free and get damaged.

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Thursday, May 19th, 2022 AT 10:13 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi,

Definitely, the was a timing issue. How was the sensor broken? Did it come unattached or did it stay attached and something hit it? Was it the CKP or TDC sensor?

Also, was the timing belt broken? I'm asking because this is an interference engine.

Let me know.

Joe

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Thursday, May 19th, 2022 AT 7:32 PM

INFANTRYMAN11C

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3 POSTS

Here are some pictures of the sensor and timing belt.

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Friday, May 20th, 2022 AT 7:30 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

That is definitely an issue. Is there any play in any of the pullies, including the balance shafts? Also, is the tensioner fully secured?

Looking at your pics, it looks like the TDC sensor is being hit from the bottom, but I can't tell for sure.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

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