1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse No-Start After Overheat

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MKSMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Ok..... I have been trouble shooting this car for 3 months. I have taken it to 3 mechanics and they can't find anything wrong..... Here is my problem. Car over heated due to thermostat. I replaced the thermostat and then car would not start. Cranks great but wouldn't start. I replaced the plugs and wires. Finally starts. Ater about 8-10 starts; same thing. Plenty of fire but plugs are fouling (gas not oil). I was told to replace the fuel injector gauge. This is located by the thermostat. Still nothing. No codes or anything. The mechanics have all ran fuel pressure; fuel regulator; checked fuel injectors, timing and OMS (B4 and after start) All check within spec..... They have also checked the battery conntections and MAP sensor. Once you get the car started it runs great. No hesitating, missing or anything.... Runs like a charm. :) Then won't start.... :( Replace plugs; runs like a charm.....:) Won't start..... :( Replace plugs; runs like a charm..... :) HELP!! I am a single mother and can't afford to continue taking it to anymore mechanics for them to trouble shoot when no one can figure it out.......... I have picked up a repair book and can not find anything that I haven't already tried........ :?:
Mar 6, 2007 at 4:33 AM
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RASMATAZ
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 75,988 POSTS
When it overheated did they rule out a blown headgsaket-it sounds like gas and coolant is mixing in the combustion chamber that will not burn.

Have them pressure test it or sniff out the radiator neck for hydrocarbons to confirm a blown headgasket

When it dies out recheck for spark and fuel.
Mar 6, 2007 at 7:51 PM

Suggested Repair

Have the cooling system pressure-tested, or check the radiator neck for hydrocarbons, to confirm a blown head gasket after the overheat. When it fails to start, recheck spark and fuel.

Conversation Summary

A 1998 Eclipse with 68,000 miles overheated from a bad thermostat. After the thermostat was replaced, it often cranks but will not start, and the plugs foul with gas rather than oil. Replacing the plugs and wires lets it start and run well for several starts, then the no-start returns. Fuel pressure, the regulator, injectors, timing, the oxygen sensor, battery connections, and the MAP sensor were reported in spec, with no codes. The expert suggests coolant and fuel may be mixing from a blown head gasket and recommends a pressure test or hydrocarbon check at the radiator, plus rechecking spark and fuel when it will not start.

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