Daily driver problem?

[kelseydum]

Sorry to post this on the rat rod site, but I figured since I'm a regular you might help me out.

She's dead again. I had this problem about 3 months ago since it happened last. Basically, my car won't start and me and a couple other guys can't figure out why. It's a 1999 hyundai elantra 4 cylinder. The last time this happened I went ahead and did a full tune up. I changed all the belts, checked the timing, changed the spark plugs and wires, changed the fuel filter (which I just did again today), flushed the radiator, put on new battery terminals (clamps), changed air filter, oil change. The radio and everything works fine, she's getting electricity but seems to be getting no gas. I had noticed the EVAP canister had busted and was spitting charcoal into my fuel lines so I changed that too (before the first fuel filter change). The gas was nice and clean this time I changed the filter so I don't think it's the charcoal. She was running pretty well until today when I noticed she wouldn't start right up so I took her home from work so I didn't get stranded (I work alone). Also, I haven't tried it yet but last time this happened it wouldn't even start with ether to the throttle body. It eventually just started after cranking it for a long time.

Soooooo... by process of elimination are we down to fuel pump or the injectors? Sometimes it acts like it almost cranks but won't quite make it there. Is it flooded or something? I really don't want it to be the fuel pump because it's in my gas tank.

 

[sc5080]

I had a Hyundai Excel way back when that had similar symptoms. Turned out to be a plugged catalytic converter. Hope this helps.

 

[kelseydum]

Thanks, I'll check it out.

 

[Lightning]

I had a friend that had a similar problem with his and it had something to do with the pressure in the injector lines or something like that - - -Not enough

 

[kelseydum]

So I changed the fuel filter yesterday and that didn't do anything (although I'm sure it will help). I changed the spark plugs today and got her started. Drove her around the block gunning it here and there to push any gunk out. By the time I got back to the house the temp was in the red. Popped the hood and radiator is barely warm. It doesn't seem like it's pushing any fluid in there. Is there a water pump on newer model cars? I know the temp may not have anything to do with why it wouldn't start, but any ideas on what is going on now?

 

[Sid]

Your thermostate is probably stuck closed.

Sid

 

[moronthethrottle]

I'm far from being qualified to diagnose this, but I'm wondering if you don't have a cracked head, or blown head gasket. Follow me on this....is it or is it not a symptom of cracked heads/blown head gasket to overheat the engine while the radiator stays cool. Now, if enough coolant has dampened a/the spark plug(s), it would have trouble starting. Hence, new dry plugs helped it to fire.

I would think that even with just a bad water pump it would have still started fine??

Does this make any sense, or am I waaaaaayyyyy out there? Where are all the "legitimate" mechanics at?

 

[Sid]

Not that I'm any "legitimate" mechanic but what I have learned is if you think you have a cracked head/blown head gasket is to check your radiator and see if the water is frothy and or contains any oil.

What condition where the spark plugs in when you changed them? Check this site out, which could help determine the issue based on plug condition: http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/techinfo/spark_plugs/faq/faqread2.asp

Sid

 

[kelseydum]

Sid, it look more like the second. They seemed wet and possibly soaked in gas from trying to start it. They looked a little dark and burnt but the tips were still in decent shape... meaning not corroded or anything.

I don't think it's the thermostat because the car is actually over heating. I had a sort of similar problem when I first bought it and it would overheat in stop and go traffic, but once I started driving it would cool off. My neighbor helped me diagnose this as air pockets from possibly sitting too long or something. We ran the motor for a while ( with the cap off the raditor) and let the air pockets bubble out and it ran fine for three years. Maybe I should try this again.

 

[Lightning]

If it continues to bubble back into the radiator after running for a while - - -ya better check for a bad head gasket or a cracked head - check the radiator for the smell of gasoline - It won't start if it's too hot.

 

[Willowbilly3]

How many miles on the car? Overheating in an alumnum head engine is bad. It often only takes once to pop the head or gasket.
When it does the no start, have you checked for spark? Fuel pressure? Some older engines start bleeding off the residal line pressure in the fuel system. The pump does not run during crank mode so you can crank a lot and still not have fuel. The pump will cycle for about 2 seconds when the key is in the on position so cycle the key on/off a few times. Do about 2 seconds in each.

 

[kelseydum]

I did get it started and it's not overheating for now. I've had the car for almost 6 years and paid $4,000 for it. I've definitely gotten my use out of it but would like to get some more. I appreciate the help.