It cranks and cranks. Why doesn't it start?

SOURCE: 1985 Volvo 240 no fuel no spark

well first the fuel pump relay is bad, that is easily replaced. next you have no spark. the first thing you do is take the cap off the distributerand crank the engine. if it spins that tell syou thyat at least the tang or gear on the shaft of the distributor is ok and not broken. next thing is remove the #1 plug and use a 1/4 drive extension 6" long and turn the crank by hand until the #1 cylinder is top dead center(put the extension in the hole of head where the plug was and you should feel the top of the piston also make sure you can feel the top of the piston with half the extension this way you don't drop it in the cylinder with the piston at TDC(top dead center) the rotor of the distributor should be pointed at the #1 firing position. IF it does not that means your timing is off and you need to retime it by taking off timing cover and either replacing the belt/chain or gears. now if you do not have a distributor and you have a coil pack there could be only 2 things that won't give spark. either a bad coil or your altenater is bad(the battery is responsible for starting not running the vehicle like alot of people assume. the altenator energizes the coil which inturngives spark. hope this helps you please rate this thanks

SOURCE: my 2000 mitsubishi galant es went dead, motor will turn over but

do you have spark? How do you know if your timing belt is good? sometimes it doesnt break just shed the teeth which could be missing under the crankshaft. The best way to check is to have two people. have one try to start the car and see if the camshaft is actually spinning. The crankshaft will always turn but if the teeth are gone on timing belt this would cause the belt to stay in one position not moving the camshaft. so if you can remove the upper timing belt cover and do this quick inspection with someone that will tell you for sure. if it does look like it is spinning then by hand turn engine very slowly with plug coil wires removed. and make sure teeth are all there. It couldve jumped timing. (valve timing)

SOURCE: stopped while running

I had the same problem. I found out that the fuel pump was not putting out enough pressure. changed the pump and bam down the road I went.

SOURCE: How do I change an alternator belt on a '99 hyundai accent?

Call your local National Guard Armory, Fire Station, State College auto program or High School Auto Shop and ask if they have somebody that would come put it on for you. Ask you pastor who the "auto guy" in the church is, if you don't have a church call the biggest church closest to you and ask the receptionist if they have an "auto guy" that would help you. The local senior center or VFW hall have "auto guys" . If you were within 50 miles of 83501 I'd come do it for you.


Removal & Installation Raise and support the vehicle.

Remove the engine splash shield.
1. Rotate the drive belt tensioner clockwise to release the drive belt tension.
2. Remove the drive belt from the alternator.
3. Slowly release the drive belt tensioner.
4. Remove the drive belt from the accessory drive pulleys.

1. Install the drive belt to the accessory drive pulley.
2. Rotate the drive belt tensioner clockwise.
3. Install the drive belt to the alternator.
4. Ensure the drive belt is properly aligned and seated into the grooves of the accessory drive pulleys.
5. Slowly release the drive belt tensioner
6. Install the engine splash shield.
7. Lower the vehicle.

SOURCE: my headlights wont turn on everything is good 1996 hyundai accent

the grounds may be bad they are behind headlamps but more than likely it is the switch

Testimonial: "thanks i would have never thought to replace it "