Cranks but doesn’t want to start. I checked fuel, spark, compression?

Tiny
TONY02
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 FORD EXPLORER
  • 175,000 MILES
I have a 2004 ford Explorer that cranks but doesn’t want to start. I checked fuel, spark, compression, and air everything is good the only thing I haven’t checked is the timing but wouldn’t the timing affect the compression if that was the problem?
Thursday, December 19th, 2024 AT 2:58 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,874 POSTS
Hi:

If the engine timing (crankshaft/camshafts) timing was off, it would cause a loss of compression. If that part is correct but the ignition timing was off (spark to plugs), that wouldn't affect compression.

If you have fuel, spark, compression, and correct timing, the engine has no choice but to run. Do me a favor, if you are confident the aforementioned components are working properly, I need you to locate the violet wire with a white tracer at one of the fuel injectors. Each injector will have one that color and one a different color. That is the power supply.

Check one or more of those wires with the key in the run position to confirm there is power. Also, let me know what the compression is as well as the fuel pressure.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below
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Thursday, December 19th, 2024 AT 6:21 PM
Tiny
TONY02
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I believe the fuel injectors are getting power because when I loosend the fuel rail and lifted it up a bit I cranked it and had fuel shooting out the injectors as far as the wiring I haven’t checked that but I can if you need me to, but I’m not sure if it’s a fuel problem because even when I put starting fluid in the intake it still doesn’t want to start.
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Thursday, December 19th, 2024 AT 9:31 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,874 POSTS
If starting fluid doesn't change things, are you certain you have spark at the plugs? If you do, then you need to check compression again. Let me know what you find.

If I don't hear from you, I hope you have a nice Christmas.

Let me know.

Joe
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Friday, December 20th, 2024 AT 7:20 PM
Tiny
TONY02
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  • 74 POSTS
Yes I connected an inline spark tester and have spark on all 6 plugs and as far as compression goes I have about 125-130 on all 6 cylinders
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Friday, December 20th, 2024 AT 9:16 PM
Tiny
TONY02
  • MEMBER
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That’s why I’m really confused as to why the car isn’t starting
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Friday, December 20th, 2024 AT 9:18 PM

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