Hey guys, new poster here. I've been working on cars for a while (doing my own work on crappy old cars for 12 yrs) and I usually can figure out what's wrong myself. Not this time.

I just got back in town, it's been below freezing a few of the days I was gone, I get in my '93 del sol s to make sure I can get to work in the morning, turn the key, the engine turns then putters to a halt. I turn the key again, the starter whines a little louder than usual and there is no turning sensation from the engine. I checked the spark, it's there. I can smell gas and hear the fuel pump turning on. I removed the oil cap, the crankshaft is turning (slower than I thought it should, that may be paranoia though). I've still got antifreeze and water in the radiator. Oil, however, looks low but I don't know why.

WTF? What else could there be? (aside from compression) And WTF do I do if it is compression? This is an uncharted area for me... and I need some help.

Thanks.

 

I'm gonna feel like an *** if it's just the starter... Dhurka dhur. I'm gonna go get it tested in the A.M., let you know how it goes.

But it wouldn't have cranked and died the first time if my starter was bad, right?

 

If the starter is turning the engine, then check the mechanical timing and compression test the cylinders.

 

So will the crankshaft turn if the starter is bad? I really don't feel like taking it out and going to autozone before work if I can determine that the starter's not the problem.

 

If the crankshaft spins when the key is turned to ON(III), then the starter motor is fine. You would not be able to check for spark unless the starter cranks the engine.

 

yeah, crankshaft is turning and sparks are flying. What do I do if I fail the compression test?

And what should my numbers be?

 

Check the mechanical timing before doing the compression tests.

 

Spray some engine starter in there. Check grounds.

 

Damn ghosts! (and lucky me!) So I'm waiting on my GF to get up this morning to take me to work, and I figured I'd just give it a shot... sputtered for a minute and cranked up. Idled low like it wanted to shut off, but I just gave it the gas it needed and we're back in business. Thanks for the help, I'll keep all your ideas in mind. Happy Holidays.