My Previa overheated, and since then has not started. The engin turns over and there is a spark to the plugs.
What could be the matter?
Please crank the engine again, and then remove all 4 spark plugs. Examine them & repost exactly what you see on the plugs.
Do this for me:
Under the hood, there is a small box with a lid on it, approx 1.5 x 1.5 inches. Open the lid, & read under the lid. FInd and locate the terminals E1 and Te1. Using a standard paper clip, jump E1 and Te1 together. Turn the key on. Observe the check engine light. It may flash several times, pause, and flash several times again. Count the flashes.
example: 2 flashes/pause/4 flashes = code 24.
Please repost any code(s) that are flashed.
the continuous flash indicates that you have no bad issues with the fuel injection system. Good.
Guess it is time to start looking at mechanical possibilities.
1.) What colour is the spark to the plugs...white/blue/orange, and are they "Toyota" plugs (important)
2.) Do you have access to a "compression gauge"?
3.) Inspect the under the distributor cap for moisture
Yes, I am going to need compression test results from all four cylinders. Remove and get rid of the Autolite plugs. Check all four compressions. Repost exactly what all four read. If all are above 150, get genuine Toyota plugs. If the compressions are real low, you may have a internal engine problem.
That is not good. Not good at all. I was def hoping that the compressions would be high, to get you back on the road ASAP, but your compression findings reveal what I was fearing...
Previa engines are *** notorious *** for dropping the valve seats out of the cylinder head when overheated, and this may be your problem. The only way to tell would be to drop the engine down & out (the engine comes out thru the bottom), remove the head & check the valve seats. I have observed failure this many, many times, I am so sorry to say. The low compressions reveal that you have a severe internal engine problem. I am not sure what to tell you, other than the engine needs to be disassembled for more accurate diagnosis. Other than the valve seat issue, the piston rings may have been damaged by the overheating, but, I still believe that the valve seats are your problem.
I apologize that I do not have a better answer or solution for you. Deepest regrets, my friend.
Good idea. If the valve seats are indeed bad, you can expect to replace the cylinder head. This is going to be real expensive. Apologies again. Wishing you the best of luck.
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It spins/cranks normally. The car died on the freeway after overheating. The thermostat was bad. The battery, starter, spark plugs are new.
There is a spark to the spark plug (I checked one).
Toyota
Yes I smell raw fule coming out of the exhaut pipe.
I cranked the engin again and pulled all four plugs. Each plug had gas residual.
I get a continous flash. No pause
1) The number 2 spark was white. I will have to get back to you on the other spark color. It will not be until this evening (Pacific Time). The spark plugs are not Toyota. I replaced the the old plugs with the same brand and type (Autolite 3924) and gapped them at 0.044".
2) I can get an compression gauge. Do you want me to check the cylinder pressure?
3) There is no moisture under the distributor cap.
I'll follow up in about 8 hr.
Thank you
Compression is horrible.
Cyl 1 30 psi
2 35 psi
3 &4 0 psi
This may be beyond my ability. The car has 290,000 miles and is like an old friend. But it may be time to let go.
I'm going to call a shop and follow up.
Do you smell "raw fuel" coming out od the exhaust pipe when you crank the engine over...crank it for at lest 30-45 seconds...
I need to know something before I can assist you:
Does the engine "spin over" or "crank" FASTER than it used too?
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