hi
i started my car ok on a cold day then gave it a few revs when i got a choking sound and engine stopped. started again gave some smaller revs and did the same thing again.
now it does not start but tries to turn over giving a higher pitch sound that normal.
could this be starter motor or plugs? any ideas what could of gone wrong?
many thanks
You might want to check the cam belt before you do anything else.
Agreed, that should be your first check.
Faster turn over means less load on the motor, means less compression - valves stuck open due to a broken cam belt. Hopefully the valves have not hit the piston crowns and it can be resolved with a new belt, but it is not just a matter of fitting a new belt - it has to be fitted such that the the pulleys are correctly aligned so that the valve timing is correct.
ok just checked that it seems ok nice and tight....
snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com formulated the question :
Rather odd symptom then. The only other thing I am able to think is that it is trying to actually fire, hence the brisk turn over. Would you describe the cranking as brisk, but irregular in speed - as if it is being assisted a little by it firing?
If so that sounds like a fuelling problem, mixture too weak to make it fire properly. Double check there is fuel in the tank, don't rely on the gauge - remove the tank cap, shake the car and listen for fuel slopping about inside.
turn it over by hand & check the timing.
What, you reckon the belt has slipped? Good point!
yes it is trying to fire as normal albeit with a slightly higher pitch sound....
i dont know how to do that but willing to try! last resort get it towed to kwik fit.
It happens that snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com formulated :
A fuelling issue!
What car is this?
Well they;re better then Heathrow Engines, but that's damning with no praise. What engine is it? & where is it?
That or something else has stopped the engine & the starters not engaging by coincidence or sods law.
its a ford puma zetec, should just clarify cranking is not brisk or irregular in speed as if it is being assisted a little by it firing.
definately got fuel.
Duncan Wood pretended :
He says it is firing, so must be cranking.
If it's a Modeo, it's probably the damper. They don't have a solid mass flywheel and the damper rubbers wear and wreck the starter motor.
John
Not too difficult to actually check, but you would need to know what exactly you are looking for (the timing marks) and how they need to be aligned. Basically you would need the manual for the car, unless someone can successfully describe the process for you.
The easy way to turn it by hand on a flat surface, ignition off - is to put it in top gear and push the entire car. Even easier with the plugs out, but it can be done with them in.
It happens that snipped-for-privacy@googlemail.com formulated :
Not a car I know at all....
Take one of the plugs out and see if it is wet/smells of petrol. If so suspect ignition. Put the cap on the plug you have taken out, clamp the plug body against the engine and crank it over whilst someone checks the plug for a spark.
its similar to the fiesta im told...
ok i will try that but i couldnt see where the plugs are, i remember something about having to remove a panel to access them?
have had these engines shear the drive pins on the camshafts .when this happens they can spin one of the cam wheels are you able to locate the timing marks data if not e mail me sure i have them need year model and cc hope this does not help and its something far less expensive.
On later engines, there are NO keys or drive pins, the cam sprockets are an interference grip on the cam shafts, and yes they can spin.
Definately worth checking- sounds like the OP has no compression.
Tim..
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