Help – Holden (Isuzu) Crank / No Start

[David]

hey guys,

I have a 2001 Holden (Isuzu) R9 3.2L V6 Petrol Automatic Rodeo that;s been sitting in the backyard for about a month.
Before then, it was in the driveway, so i moved it from there (no problems) and parked it in the backyard (un-registered) so I could use the driveway in/out.

The other day, I went to start it up so I can move it. Tried starting, it started for a second then died. Tried again and it just cranks.

I figured it ‘might’ have been low on petrol (as it was when I moved it), so I put between 5-7L of Unleaded in… yet still issues. Every now and then (if I leave it), when I try to start it, it might do the same thing, (tried to start then died).

I read the engine may have been flooded (with fuel).. so I let it sit for a few hours… still no luck.

I removed the Spark Plugs and noticed they were a little wet, so I cleaned then up with some cleaning spray + used a little bit of sandpaper between the gap, and let them sit (inside) for the night.

next day, I re-installed them, and seemed the engine try to start again, but then just cranks..

I heard placing foot on Accelerator will put an EFI car into Flood Mode and disable Fuel Injectors, then just crank and hold for 20sec, repeating a few times. At one point doing this, it sounded as if the engine was firing a bit, but nothing. Eventually I think the battery was going flat. :dry:

Put battery on charge for the night (took several hours, think its a slow charger)

Next day, put battery back in, tried again, and similar issues.. car tried to fire a couple times, then nothing.. just cranking. I’ve removed the spark plugs again and noticed they were a little wet again and smelled a bit like fuel… could this mean the Fuel Pump / injectors are working, spraying into the cylinders ?

I also noticed Coolant level in the reservoir was empty, and taking the cap off the radiator, I couldn’t see any coolant, then I read that low coolant can cause a fault in the coolant sensor and prevent a car from starting.. not sure how true is it or not.

Im not sure when the Fuel Filter was changed last, so I was going to pickup a new one.. just in-case, should I get injector cleaner in-case injectors are blocked?

I’ve looked on youtube/forum for some testing methods, unfortunately I don’t have a Fuel Pressure tester/ nor have access to one.. Can I removed the filter, put a cloth down to catch fuel, then tried and start to see if the pump is forcing fuel out.. or is that a no-no?

I currently have the spark plugs out of the car, then used a wire brush to carefully clean the tips. They’re sitting in front of the heater as I type, trying off as much as I can.

Does anyone have ‘any’ suggestions on what I can look for ?

Thanks,

Topic

[EricTheCarGuy]

When dealing with no starts, you need to check the basics, spark, fuel, and mechanical. Sounds like you have fuel since the plugs were wet. It still may not be enough fuel, but for now check for spark and see if the engine is in good condition mechanically. You might do a compression test to check that. More info on no starts here.

http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/solving-automotive-no-start-problems

Good luck and keep us posted.

[David]

Thanks Eric :), I checked that links (and all your videos), great stuff 🙂

I tested the plugs today for spark and they seem ok to me.

Probably not the best way to test. never tested before,

I removed the Fuel Pump relay before doing the test, but after the test, I smelt a little fuel… Im guessing event hough the pump was disabled, the injectors still fired 9whatever fuel was in them) ??

I ran the test a 2nd time, this time with the Accelerator pressed to the floor (pump relay still removed)

I’ll double check the fuel pump hopefully tomorrow, Ill change the filter and check at same time.

I dont have access to a compression tester, but was considering ordering a cheap one on ebay.

ebay.com.au/itm/161596799927?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Though, does anyone know the average adapter sizes for cars / motorcycles ? That one listed comes with 4x adapters, not 100% if I need a different size or not.

I read somewhere that if the engine does get flooded (fuel), is leaks down the sides of the cylinder (into the oil) and prevents compression.. is this true?

If so, I need to do an oil change, should I try draining the oil (cold, cant start car to warm the oil) > fill then maybe drain again (once/if I can get started)?

Thanks again, much appreciated 🙂

[Author]

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