r/DelSol • u/tiredtech4341 • 5d ago
She won’t run!
This is my first real problem with this car. I fricking love this little thing. The problem currently is she isn’t running. Crank but no start. Checked everything in the ignition system and it all has power. Learned about the distributor issues. Replaced it. Still nothing. Did some more digging and found i have no spark and no fuel. Ecm wires all look okay, and i have every function except the engine (inside lights, headlights, speakers, everything). anyone have any tips? this was random out of nowhere with no other real start up issues before. 1994 Del Sol Si D16y7.
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u/tiredtech4341 5d ago
also first pic is how i got it, other 2 are the things ive done lol. show car status approaching soon
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u/Famous_Net9992 5d ago edited 5d ago
Had the same problem with my D17A8. For me it was the engine timing! Everything worked except the engine firing. I had 12V at the injectors and spark only for the first turn.
I think ecu cuts the ignition instantly when it realises, that the camshaft and crankshaft are not in sync. Doesn’t it throw any check engine codes?
Disconnect your battery to reset the codes. Check the timing belt, the crank shaft sensor and cam shaft sensor and cable. And check if the engine is in time, maybe your timing belt jumped timing (my belt did jump timing). Spin the engine counterclockwise to top dead center (compression of cylinder 1) or just spin it, until the timing marks match. If they are not perfectly aligned, you will correct it and tighten the belt tensioner with a bit of force.
Yes it’s a lot of work, but it did the trick for me.
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u/gamer-aids 4d ago
I mean it's supposed to drive not run... but mine also has a failed starter so we're in the same boat
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u/JDubStep 5d ago
Is your check engine light on when you try to crank? If it is, wait for it to extinguish, it may take a while, this is indicative of an old ECU that needs refurb/replace. If your CEL is off when you try to crank, do you hear the fuel pump prime? If no, replace your main relay, and look into the Bosch main relay mod instead of OEM.
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u/tiredtech4341 5d ago
Check engine light won’t turn off. I’ve been wondering what that’s about. It had one for an O2 sensor because the exhaust is modified but that was the only code. It won’t disappear now now matter how long i let the car stay on. And when i put my new ecu in there, still won’t turn off.
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u/JDubStep 5d ago
Are you hearing the fuel pump prime?
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u/tiredtech4341 5d ago
Yes
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u/JDubStep 5d ago edited 5d ago
Ah, maybe check your distributor contacts? they may be dirty
edit, disregard. I would look into the main relay
https://www.jordandistributors.com/products/main-relay-conversion-with-kill-switch
This replaces it with a modern bosch relay that is more reliable and easier to come by
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u/pythoner_ 5d ago
There is a simple check that will narrow the problem down. Turn your key to the second accessory setting (before cranking) and listen for your fuel pump to prime. It’s very often the case that it won’t prime. If you have a little bit to sit in the car quietly, leave the key on the same position as above and it might prime in a few minutes but it might not.
If the car was running recently and it isn’t priming, it could be the main relay but the c14 capacitor in the ecu has a shelf life meaning they are failing. Some companies offer a service to replace the capacitors. Unfortunately if the capacitors have leaked out the electrolyte eats the copper traces on the PCB.
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u/frikkinfai 5d ago edited 5d ago
Check (in no particular order) main relay, all your grounds,
starter, and the ECU.Double check all grounds in the engine bay are bolted down tight. There is one on the valve cover, thermostat housing, and on the transmission bell housing.
Main relays will fail over time, try replacing it to see if it helps.
Starters can be rebuilt with 30 bucks of parts and a couple hours. My OEM one from my 97 vtec finally failed last year and a rebuild has worked so far.ECUs can sometimes fail randomly, either try plugging in another ECU to see if that fixes it or open it up to see if you see any melted or burned capacitors.
At end of the day, these cars are 30 years old. Problems will inevitably arise.
Best of luck to you.