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Crank, No Start

Tiny
MDEPAOLO
  • MEMBER
  • CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
I have had a problem with my car not starting for several months now. It is a 1998 Chevy Monte Carlo, Z34 3.8L 3800seriesII. It has 111,000 miles. It would intermittently "crank, no start." Doesn't matter if ignition is toggled (hear buzzing of new fuel pump), pushing accel. Pedal down also no help. Ive only tried starting it for about 5-10 secs. Didn't wanna do damage.
So I had the fuel pump replaced (check engine light signaled low fuel press.). Didn't work, so I also had MAP sensor replaced (faulty readings) along with ignition module because I had heard that part fails frequently in models this old. On the list of things replaced/checked: fuel pump, gas filters, starter replaced (2x), crankshaft position sensor checked ok, injector relays ok, MAP sensor replaced new, gas cap (fuel pressure).
When it does happen, usually I dont think the weather has any affect (although the most recent time was after long rain). It has happened in cold and warm weather. It has happened shortly after running engine. It went a solid month without happening, then again. Most important, when it does happen, it will usually start up right away without hesitation if I let the car sit an hour or so.
Most recent was map sensor and ig. Module repl. Which seemed to cure it, until it happened again. (Now, Check Eng. Light comes on sometimes a few seconds after starting up, but will not come on the next time car is started).
Thanks, and sorry for the long post, but there are a lot of things to explain. Please help with some advice!
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Saturday, February 3rd, 2007 AT 1:07 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
I'm not clear if this is still intermittant no start or, just no start.

Try a quick moisture test if it does start, by spraying the ignition wires with a mist of water and wait for how it reacts. This may be an ignition wire problem. I assume the plugs were changed at some point?
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Saturday, February 3rd, 2007 AT 8:24 AM
Tiny
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It's definitely an intermittent problem. It happened more frequently in the past, and now (after noted parts were replaced) happens probably once or twice in a month.
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Saturday, February 3rd, 2007 AT 11:39 AM
Tiny
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Did you try the moisture test?
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Saturday, February 3rd, 2007 AT 11:48 AM
Tiny
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Tried the moisture test, and sprayed liberally on what I suspect were the ignition wires (emerging from the three circular canisters numbered 1-6 (distributor?), And leading to the engine). Didn't seem to affect how the engine sounded or ran spraying when it was off or when it was already running. I don't if the wires have been replaced.
If the engine does sound rough when it starts, I usually turn it off and start it again right away. The second time it seems to start up smoother. Dont know if that helps.
I do appreciate all that you are doing to help, and I have spent so much time and money fixing what I thought it was. Im at my end, so I thank you for what perspecive you can give.
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Saturday, February 3rd, 2007 AT 11:43 PM
Tiny
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The circular cannisters are the coils, It would be good to remove each wire from the coil and check for any corrosion-I don't think that is the problem however. Wires do not appear to be a problem based on the moisture test. The 2nd time smooth start makes it lead to a fuel delivery issue. I am wondering if there is still a fuel pump issue or bad connection at the fuel power power or ground. Maybe something to allow a leak back?

What brand of fuel pump did you use?

When You turn the key to the on position and hear the fuel pump hum, it is engergizing or filling the line with adequate pressure. If the fuel is draining back into the tank, it will start harder or crank longer anyways.

Can you pull the codes from the pcm?
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Sunday, February 4th, 2007 AT 9:11 AM
Tiny
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I think that we used an ac delco fuel pump, but im not sure. I dont currently have a scan tool, but I am going to get one soon. Otherwise, id have to see if I can get someone to just pull the codes for me, for now

To me, it seems like a problem that only exists when the car is starting up (or trying to start up). While running, there are no noises, no bucking, hesitation, knocking, etc. As if the problem goes away long as I can get it running.
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Monday, February 5th, 2007 AT 12:00 PM
Tiny
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I took my car to the chevy dealer because one day, after a number of hard starts, it just died on the road. I was driving and all of a sudden, noticed the tachometer drop to zero and the 'volts' and 'oil' lights go on. The power steering shut off and I had to glide to a parking lot. The car wouldn't start. Then, the tow truck driver miraculously got the engine to start, 45 mins later. I hope they find something.

Mechanic said computer read 'fuel pump sensor' intermittently setting of MIL. Also, when he started tapping and pulling at wires, he pulled at a tube which was the vacuum lead to the fuel regulator (it was leaking air).
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Saturday, February 10th, 2007 AT 3:51 PM

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