Engine cranks but will not start, makes a wining noise?

Tiny
JACK THAO
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 ACURA TSX
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 268,932 MILES
The car crank but will not start, makes a wining noise every time I try to start it...I was told it was the starter, so I replace that with a new one, still same issue, then I was told it was the timing chain, had that replaced and still same problem. What is causing this?
Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 AT 7:05 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi Jack,

Could you record it cranking and upload it for me to hear? Also, was the timing broken or out of time when they first took it apart? I ask because it is an interference engine. If the timing was off far enough, it may have internal damage. I should be able to tell if I could hear it cranking.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 AT 10:57 PM
Tiny
JACK THAO
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Hey Joe, thanks for replying. I was told that the timing chain guide was broken, and that I will need a new timing chain also. So, basically, I replaced the battery, starter, timing chain and I’m still here with the same issues from the start. Hopefully, you can hear it clearly enough to point me in the right direction. Thanks in advance.
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Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023 AT 12:25 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I listened to the video. The engine has no compression. Did the chain fail while the engine was running or is it something you checked because it wasn't running correctly?

If it was running, this is an interference engine. I suspect you have several bent valves. Do a compression test to confirm it for me. You will need a compression gauge, but most parts stores will lend one to you. I feel you will find little to no compression present.

Here is a link that explains how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

The engine is turning faster than normal. That is why it sounds odd.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023 AT 5:40 PM
Tiny
JACK THAO
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Okay, so, I’ve just got done watching the video link you sent me, I’ll have to go get me a compression gauge and run some test, I'll let you know what reading I get.
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Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023 AT 8:08 PM
Tiny
JACK THAO
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So, you were right, cylinder one and three has no compression and cylinder two has very low compression, I'm just not too sure if it’s a bent rod or valve spring. That’s weird cause it never showed any symptoms, car was running fine, went to work came home, next day got ready to go work and headache, lol. By any chance would it be worth fixing it or just getting a new motor?
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Friday, August 4th, 2023 AT 2:52 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi Jack,

I had a feeling that was the issue. Jack, because of the miles on the present engine, I feel you would be further ahead in finding a good one with lower mileage. When you have a problem like this, almost always there are bent valves in the cylinder head which causes damage to the valve guides and the cylinder head itself.

You could remove the cylinder head for inspection. I would be happy to help you out if you want to do that.

I can't believe someone changed the timing chain without telling you there could be damage or recognizing the sound when cranking it. Ugh! I hope it wasn't too much money.

Listen, I'm here. You tell me which direction you want to go, and I'll be happy to do what I can to help.

Take care of yourself.

Joe
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Friday, August 4th, 2023 AT 8:39 PM
Tiny
JACK THAO
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Yes, I paid $350.00 to change the timing chain, and it sucks because they say it would run, but it is was it is, learn from it and move on... I would love the help, I myself am not a mechanic but if someone walk me through the steps I can definitely do it.
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Friday, August 4th, 2023 AT 10:20 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Jack,

Let me know what direction you want to go and we'll get started. LOL

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, August 4th, 2023 AT 11:04 PM
Tiny
JACK THAO
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  • 10 POSTS
Is there a specific tools I need to take out the rods?
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Saturday, August 5th, 2023 AT 9:13 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

No special tool is needed, but the oil pan needs removed and the cylinder head as well if you plan to pull the rods/pistons.

If I had the vehicle, I would focus more on removing the cylinder head to inspect for damage or try to get a borescope and look down into each cylinder to see if there is damage.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, August 5th, 2023 AT 3:39 PM
Tiny
JACK THAO
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Okay, I don’t have a bore scope, so I decided to remove the head, I get back to you as soon as I get it off.
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Monday, August 7th, 2023 AT 12:53 AM
Tiny
JACK THAO
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  • 10 POSTS
I’ve just got done removing the head from the block, I can see that one of my rod is bent, and the other 3 have worn out rings. How do I remove the rods?
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Monday, August 7th, 2023 AT 3:54 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi,

If you need to remove the connecting rods, it is done from the bottom of the engine. Once the oil pan is off, you can see the crankshaft and each connecting rod, which will have two nuts each holding them in place.

Stupid question. How did you see the connecting rods from the top of the engine? I ask because I don't want you to be thinking something is what it isn't.

Let me know. If you do remove the rods, mark each end cap with the cylinder it came from and make sure you can identify the direction it pointed so it goes back together the same.

Take care,

Joe
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Monday, August 7th, 2023 AT 11:01 PM

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