Engine will not start

2001 CHEVROLET PRIZM
140,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ROBERT BEHNEY
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  • 1 POST
Replaced fuel pump an fuel relay. Pulled line off by fuel rail tried to start no fuel came out. So I pulled fuel pump back took air an blew through the line from tank to fuel rail hooked everything back up except for fuel rail tried to start it. Got good clean fuel. Put that back together and nothing it just cranked did not even try to turn over. What could it be?
Nov 15, 2018 at 4:16 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com

I want to start with this link. It discusses a crank/no start condition.

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

Next, it sounds like something was plugging the fuel line if you got fuel after blowing through the line. Something could be blocking the injectors. However, I need you to check and confirm the pressure is within the manufacturer's specs. Here is a link that shows how to test it:

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

Also, confirm there is spark to the plugs. Here is a link showing how that is done:

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

Here is the required fuel pressure for your vehicle:

FUEL PUMP PRESSURE
Fuel Pump PSI.........................44-50

If pressure is within spec and there is spark to the plugs, I need you to see if it will start for a couple seconds using starting fluid. If it does, that tells me the fuel isn't getting in to the engine. If that is the case, you need to test the injectors. Here is a link that describes how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-fuel-injector

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

PS: I just realized you are a certified mechanic. Most likely you have checked most of what I provided. However, let me know if that is the case. If you have spark, fuel, compression, and the timing is right, it has to run, so one is missing.
Nov 15, 2018 at 8:21 PM