i6 ignition problems!

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Oct 29, 2016 | 09:40 PM

#16

ctubutis

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From: Denver Metro Area, CO

I would also go down the ground path, Dave, but doesn't the fact that the relay (solenoid) isn't making any noise when jumped (3 to 5, key in START) something to look at first? IOW it sounds like the solenoid isn't activating (so looking at grounds is a good thing, as is jumping 3 to 6 with a jumper cable), I wouldn't be condemning the starter motor so soon.

Oct 29, 2016 | 09:51 PM

#17

Ethan Regier

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Ok good news. After playing with the ignition switch for awhile i got it to consistently crank by shorting the two large posts on the solenoid. Now it is cranking every time i do that. It hasn't fired yet but at least its cranking. Tried using starting fluid and it wouldn't even burn that. Tried later in the day because i thought i might have flooded it with the starter fluid and still nothing. Maybe not getting any spark? I dont know i will check for spark tomorrow. Also i havent heard the fuel pump engage. I know normally you can hear it. I will try and get a meter on the hot wire to it tomorrow.

Oh and NumberDummy that is a viable question. PO said that it was a 5 speed. (He drove it from NC several months ago and nothing other than that). Also the **** indicates that it is a 5. Havent driven it yet but i ran through the gears tonight and can't find fifth

. So i guess it is indeed a 4. Thanks for catching that.

Oct 30, 2016 | 05:30 AM

#18

kr98664

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Ethan Regier

Tried using starting fluid and it wouldn't even burn that. Tried later in the day because i thought i might have flooded it with the starter fluid.

I'm a little late to this thread, which is probably why you're making progress.

You've gone from no-crank to reliably cranking, so that's good. Almost guaranteed to be an ignition problem, so you're on the right track.

I've got to throw in my 2 cents about starting fluid, though. I love the stuff for troubleshooting. Proper use can quickly rule out all sorts of fuel issues, confirm the presence of spark, etc. I call it Mechanic-In-A-Can. Here's the rub: As wunderbar as the stuff is, I wish it was only sold in little lipstick-sized cans. If an engine doesn't respond to a 2-second spray of the stuff, more is NOT going to help. In fact, too much can cause new problems, so resist the urge to keep trying more if the engine didn't respond the first time. You've got to figure out why the engine didn't at least run briefly, instead of just spraying more and more starting fluid. The risk of an explosion is just too great.

I'd hate to see the thread change from "Ignition problems" to "Need help regrowing eyebrows" or "Home insurance claim headaches".

Oct 30, 2016 | 06:05 AM

#19

Ar. Hillbilly

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From: Eureka Springs Arkansas

If it will crank by jumping both big posts but not with the little post to the big post you either have the solenoid hooked up wrong or it is shot. That is why it doesn't work with the key. I'm wondering about the fusable link now.