Fires on one cylinder, will not start?

Tiny
LWOLFGRAM
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 HONDA ELEMENT
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Fires on one cylinder, won't start. Check fuel pressure, good. Checked spark to all cylinders, good. Pulled fuel rail with injectors intact, all squirting fuel. Replace cam sensors and crankshaft sensors. Any ideas? And checked fuses.
Monday, March 3rd, 2025 AT 2:39 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,041 POSTS
Yep, it sounds like you have a blown head gasket between two cylinders, let's do a compression test to confirm the issue.

Here is a guide to help you:

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

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
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Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 AT 12:06 PM
Tiny
LWOLFGRAM
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
The compression was fine. I must apologize for beginning this request without full information to you. Back in December the Element wouldn't start, only firing on one cylinder. We had a snow alert so I called a shop to tow it. They put in a fuel pump and it started right up and we drove it home. Went to start it a week later and same issue Only fire on one cylinder. So I took the fuel line apart and made sure it flowed well, did a pressure test - good. Pulled the fuel rail with injectors on the rail and all pulsed. Pulled the coils and left spark plugs in the coils, they all sparked. Checked all fuses. Replaced cam sensors and crankshaft sensor. Did compression test as suggested, good.
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Tuesday, March 4th, 2025 AT 4:06 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,041 POSTS
There should be trouble codes then, also can you upload a short video of the engine cranking over? That way I can tell if the engine is hurt or not. Please go over this guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Also, does the engine run on starting fluid?

This video can help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXLJbuAZ4CE

Please go over these guides and get back to us.
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Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 AT 9:19 AM

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