Crank no start?

DAVID DAVO ESSIEN

MEMBER
2003 KIA CERATO
1.8L
4 CYL
TURBO
2WD
AUTOMATIC
159,753 MILES

Late in the evening of yesterday, I was called to fix a car that cranked but didn't start. The initial problem from the mechanic who called me to come and start the car was an overheated engine. The top cylinder head was removed, and the top was grinded. Additionally, the top gasket was replaced. After reassembling the car didn't start.
What I noticed was that the was spark, but no injector pulse when cranking. I also noticed that the was a check light on ignition switch to "on" but goes off when cranking. In addition, the RPM in the instrument cluster moved slightly.
Please help me out with the timing of the car and further things that can hinder the car from starting.

4 Replies

DAVID DAVO ESSIEN

MEMBER
147 POSTS

Today I went there with my scan tool and detected a P0011 code. The car still didn't start but with my scan tool reading the live data, I saw the RPM counting. I thought it was the timing of the car that was the contributing factor. So, I loosened the timing cover and saw the timing to be right but if I'm wrong please correct me on the timing aspect.
Please note what happens when I crank the engine, the car check light will disappear. Is it normal in the car model? Why is there no injector pulse but good spark is present? The mechanic told me that the car owner had been driving the car until it overheated, and he disassembled and assembled the engine back.
Please guide me on how to get the car started.

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Sunday, October 9th, 2022 AT 2:29 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi,

First, please understand this vehicle isn't offered in the US, so I have very limited technical information. However, I will try my best to help.

The code you have for a Kia is a camshaft sensor A is over-advanced. I am going off what we know it as here. With that in mind, are you certain the timing is correct? I know you mentioned there was engine work done before you got it. Is the camshaft position sensor connected?

Have you checked engine compression to see if it is within the manufacturer's specs? That would help determine if the timing is off.

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

Let me know. Also, if you know if a vehicle like this was sold in North America, let me know what it was called. I can use it as a reference.

Take care,

Joe

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Sunday, October 9th, 2022 AT 7:38 PM

DAVID DAVO ESSIEN

MEMBER
147 POSTS

I verified the timing of the car on YouTube.

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Sunday, October 9th, 2022 AT 11:13 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

I looked through the pics and have no way of verifying the timing. I see the mark on the exhaust cam but not the intake or crank.

I attached pics below showing what I have for a 1.8L Kia Spectra. Note that the 1.8 we have is an interference engine. If the belt failed or was installed incorrectly, it will cause internal damage.

Is it possible for you to record it cranking and upload that for me to hear?

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