Engine not starting after overheating

PEGGY MENDOZA

MEMBER
1999 HONDA CIVIC
1.6L
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

I just bought the car listed above (lx), test drove it and it ran fine. Guy told me to replace the radiator because the cap was stripped but sold new okay to drive home. 4 miles later it overheated, pulled over to the side of the road to let it cool down, now it won't start. Called a wrecker to tow it home, replaced radiator and it still won't start. It does turn over. My son put a code reader on it and it says misfire in cylinders 1 and 3. Is it worth fixing with so many miles on it? And what would cause out not to start?
Thanks

3 Replies

BORIS K

MECHANIC
799 POSTS

Hello,

The symptoms you describe point towards a possible blown cylinder head gasket.
The overheating could have caused the cylinder head to warp.

Here is a link that explains what is cylinder head gasket is and its function:

https://youtu.be/jBidX6le0qQ

A quick check is to remove the spark plugs and check if they are moist with coolant.
While the spark plugs are removed also crank the engine over and check if any coolant sprays out of the spark plug holes.

Checking an engine not starting basics:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

If no coolant is evident then next check if there is spark at the spark plugs.
How to check for spark:

https://youtu.be/69Km8qAKJ18

If you have spark then next to check would be compression

How to check compression:

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

Please let us know how you get along.

Cheers, Boris

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Tuesday, June 8th, 2021 AT 7:31 AM

PEGGY MENDOZA

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks! No coolant but there is oil in one spark plug well. Checking relays and grounds right now. Valve cover gasket, plugs and wires, distributor cap are on the way.

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Tuesday, June 8th, 2021 AT 7:38 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,779 POSTS

Hi,

I noticed it has been a few days since we made contact with you. Have you made any progress? As far as the oil in the spark plug wells, that could have damaged the wires, but shouldn't have caused a no start.

As aforementioned, it could be a head gasket. Is it possible for you to record the engine cranking so I can hear it? Hopefully, if there is low compression in a couple of the cylinders, I'll be able to recognize it.

Next, most times when a vehicle fails to start, it is related to an ignition issue (no spark to plugs) or a fuel-related issue. See if it starts for a couple of seconds using starting fluid and then stalls. If it does, then we know it's fuel-related. If it doesn't, then we need to check for spark at the plugs.

Here are three links you may find helpful. One explains the most common causes of a crank no start condition, one is how to check spark, and the other deals with checking fuel pressure.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

If you suspect it is a head gasket, we will need to check engine compression to confirm. Here is a link that explains how it's done:

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

I attached the compression specs below for this vehicle. Again, not always, but most times, I can tell if there is a timing or compression issue just by hearing it crank. So if possible, upload a video of it cranking for me to hear.

Take care,

Joe

See Pic below.

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