HELP- car wont start

[jdmloc]

so i was driving home from work last week
in my 85 toyota cressida
and the car just died on me
it cranks but doesnt turn over
i just replaced the distributor cap and rotor
and that didnt work
can someone please help me
theres a spark on the external coil
and theres a spark coming out of the spark plug wires
i cant figure out whats wrong?

[The Cosworth]

you only need to worry about three things.

1.) Fuel
2.) Spark
3.) Air

You know 2 is good. Check the other ones.

[Joe-G]

If theres a spark maybe its a fuel problem? Have you checked that the fuel pump is working correctly?

[jdmloc]

the problem is
im not a mechanic
i dont know that much
i wouldnt know how to check the fuel pump and such

[Kloubek]

The chances of air not getting to your engine is next to nil. Seems like you have spark covered. So really, fuel is your most likely source. Since it is unusual for a filter to block 100%, I would also say it is likely the pump.

If you have a filter or fuel line that is easily accessible from the engine bay, it's pretty easy to disconnect it and see if fuel is flowing when you turn the engine over.

[Joe-G]

I dont know if its the same with your car, but i know with Integras and Civics you can listen for the fuel pump priming when you switch the ignition to ON.

It would usually be around the back seat area/trunk. Just get someone to turn the key while you listen?

[jdmloc]

ill give ten bucks to anyone willing to come take a look at it and tell me what the problem is

[Kloubek]

Originally posted by jdmloc
ill give ten bucks to anyone willing to come take a look at it and tell me what the problem is

Wow... TEN BUCKS?! I'm THERE!!!!

Seriously, you'd be better off enticing someone with a 6-pack of beer.

Dude, if you don't know enough about mechanics to fix it, then you are going to have to get it towed somewhere to fix. And if you're going to do that, then the mechanics will be happy to tell you what is wrong. You're not going to save anything by knowing beforehand.

Joe: I thought about mentioning that, but in the end I realized it would prove nothing. Even if he can hear it, it doesn't guarantee the pump is working *properly*. And if he can't, it's possible you just can't hear it on his car. Good thinking though!

[jdmloc]

well like
i just dont know how to diagnos eproblems
i can usually figure out how to fix the problem if i know what it is
liek some one said it would be my distributor
so i replaced that
i jus tneed to know whats wrong

[5000Audi]

some cars have a fuel pump cutoff-button-switch-thing-a-ma-bob LoL, well i know my old ford prober did and i even replaced the fuel pump and still didnt work, hard wired the pump and it worked... to then find out i needed to push a button hidden in the truck.. so maybe cheak google to see if you car has one

[Joe-G]

Try and find the fuel filter then?
It might be a ghetto way of doing it, but just unplug one of the lines and turn the car over? Hopefully fuel will start pumping out. Just be ready to not make a mess if it does.

[AE92_TreunoSC]

It doesnt have a fuel cut off switch.



Try banging the gas tank while someone is cranking it, it might kick start the fuel pump and get the car running. If it starts, then you need to replace the fuel pump.

If it doesnt start, you need to check so many other things.

Such as fuel pressure.

Timing, both ignition and cam.

Compression even.

[jswankster]

ill come for beer... pm me ur number i can come tomorrow

[Mr_ET]

Does a Cresida have some type of main relay between the fuel pump and the engine, if so my guess is that is what crapped out on you.

[dj_honda]

what does it sound like when you turn the key? does it turn over? i bet i could tell you the problem...i've owned like 5 of these lol

[jdmloc]

ya it does have a main relay
but i just tried using a wire to bypass the relay and it still didnt start im guessing its the fuel pump but i need to know forsure
i dont have lots of money to blow

[revelations]

crank the starter for a bit, and go smell the exhaust, seriously.... you should be smelling SOME gas

btw, just because its getting spark doesent mean its ENOUGH

[revelations]

was the car having any problems BEFORE it died? (eg. running crappy, poor mileage)

Could be an ECU problem too... (computer)

[jdmloc]

ill give a six pack to anyone willing to figure out the problem
i live in chapparal