Im getting ready to pick up this 93 dx hatch( bone stock)but it wont start. Went to start it up, it cranks over , the fuel pump primes but it just wont start up. the car has gas but its been sitting for a while. My best guess is that its spark.The owner claims it has new cap,rotor,plug wires and battery. any suggestions on what it could be?

 

Well there are three things you need.

fuel-compression-spark

within those are plenty of variables but usually they are common problems.

I would start with a simple compression test. If thats good then a spark test, take out the spark plug stick it in the wire, unplug the injectors, crank the motor and check the end of the spark plug for a bridge(thats how i do it, others might do it differently). if you got spark, good buuuut that doesnt mean the timing is right, take out the #1 spark plug, get it to top dead center compression(you will feel air coming out if you stick your thumb in the hole), take the radiator cap off and see if the firing order is correct. you want the firing order to be 1-3-4-2, you will notice the rotor will be ready to hit cylinder # 1, then check the rest of the wires to make sure they are in the right spot on the cap.

then for fuel, usually if you hear the fuel pump going your good to go on a stock motor with no mods. there is a test though that you can run but i forgot exactly how it works, what i have done is disconnect the spark plugs, turn the motor over a couple times and smell for fuel, ghetto i know but it works.

motor should start.

 

No doubt man I give it a shot when i pick up the car, I figure for 500 bucks its a good deal. it didn't hit me to check for spark when i was there...ill check for spark and do the compression test and hopefully it will start.thanks for the help

 

If you find your not getting spark there are a couple things you can check from there. First check the cap and rotor even if the guy says they are new. Also I believe that car has an relay that goes bad that can stop the car from starting. If all those are good try the altenator, I think you can get those tested for free at some auto part stores.

 

When you mean "relay" you're refurring to the main relay correct? If not, i believe the main relay is good. not much i can do without the car but thanks for all the input.

 

Yep I think thats the one. I have never personally owned an eg, but I have worked on a few and found those things go bad pretty often.

 

coo.I'll probably end up replacing cap and rotor, plugs etc. heard bad grounds could be a problem as well. thanks

 

Just a quick note, I've been told that when checking for spark you need to ground the plug threads (just touch it to the block or chassis). I'm not sure if that's necessary though.