Car cranks, starts but won't idle

LIETA MOKOENA

MEMBER
2005 FORD BANTAM
1.6L
4 CYL
FWD
MANUAL
95,000 MILES

Hi

The car has spark, fuel pump works (I know by a slight whistling sound it makes when fuel is available) but won't run. It cranks good, tries to run, then dies. I have seen spark plugs get wet with gas, and they are covered with black material on the electrodes. All show similar signs.

There is also a burning smell when I open a valve cover, which I suspect comes from them plugs. I wondered if there is an oil leak into them as others suggested, but I would rather see if I am missing an electrical issue before I have to head south.
Any help is highly appreciated.

3 Replies

RENEE L

ADMIN
1,260 POSTS

Lets start with a compression test to see if the engine is okay, here is a guide that will get you started.

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

let us know what you find

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Wednesday, August 31st, 2016 AT 2:55 PM

LIETA MOKOENA

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Hi

Yesterday I took out the throttle body, cleaned it with a carb spray, then I increased the idle level this morning. Now it has acceleration issues, and the idle has some skipping, a misfire if I may say.
I had to rest since I took a whole day on it (went as far as taking out the dash)
Thanks for the suggestion, I will look into it if after new spark plugs there's no change.

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Sunday, September 4th, 2016 AT 4:17 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,643 POSTS

It sounds like the engine may have jumped time. But before we check that lets do that compression test to make sure the engine is okay first, you can rent a gauge from the auto parts store.

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Monday, September 5th, 2016 AT 9:43 AM