Wrecked car won't start
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Hey guys,
I got a new radiator overflow tank to replace my shattered one. After getting my front end off my radiator looks fine -- I put some coolant in it and fired it up annnnndddddddd nothing
It struggles to turn over and then sputters and dies. Any ideas? I'm making the huge assumption I did not overheat the engine (temperature gauge never indicated such... I did see steam/smoke but I'm hoping that was my washer fluid), but I don't actually know that. The car drove away from the accident, onto a tow truck, and off the truck into my parking spot...
I will try lowering the car and trying again just to see if it was being elevated (doubtful). Any ideas besides I wrecked it so there's no way to know
? What else is in the front end that I may have damage that would prevent it from starting? What does a fuel pump/alternator failing make a car sound like?Edit: I put my thinking cap on. Are there any sensors in front (pretty much anything in front of the bumper support/front of engine) of the engine the ECU needs signal from? Most of the damage was passenger side. What would the consequence of the serpentine belt not spinning properly do? I imagine if the alternator is not spinning well, it would stop the car from properly idling? It sounds pretty awful when it turns over. The 3rd time I tried it idled for a second and then quit. I'm afraid continuous tries might make something work... but if the engine is already fucked, then oh well!
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What kind of motor?
The front sensor on the harmonic balancer could be an issue.
Can you post a video of it trying to start?
@DrLeadFoot
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I could try to do that tomorrow when it's light again. Do you have a preferred area where the camera should be? I may need to ask my assistant to help!
BTW, it's a 1998 328i.
A couple closer images:
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I wouldn't be starting it unless there is coolant in the system.
I would check that sensor on the lower timing cover.
@DrLeadFoot
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Open the bleed screw and pour coolant into the reservoir until a steady stream comes out of the overflow. The crank position sensor will prevent the engine from starting, it is on the front of the engine just to the left of the water pump pulley. Do not run the engine for more than a minute without the serpentine belt operational. No belt = no water pump.
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What kind of motor?
M52 motor, btw.
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I think it's blown up and I'll even do you the favor of removing the car from you
Haha, this is the 3rd offer from people who could "take it off my hands"! I'm not convinced it's blown up quite yet!
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Is that where the crank position sensor is supposed to be??! Looking at images there should definitely be something there... is it possible it hasn't been there for a while or can the engine absolutely not run without it?
Edit: Looks like that was the sensor position for OBD1 engines? I guess the mystery continues!
IT STARTED. After I unhooked the MAF and removed the air filter (maybe unnecessary), it started up. It had a really shakey idle for a bit then seemed to calm down. It smells absolutely terrible. Very exhausty around the engine and in the cabin. I now have a headache.
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Hmmmm. So letting it idle for a bit, the only abnormal sound is the fan rubbing the duct tape I have holding my overflow hose up, since the fan shroud is snapped. I haven't attempted to drive it since it's still missing a front end.
Any idea what the bad exhaust smell is? Is that from continuous failed starts? Maybe put a lot of fuel in the cylinders or something? Maybe it's just from idling? Any ideas on that?
Here was the sound when it wouldn't start...
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You may be correct on the smell from lots of cranking without firing. I have found with mine that if I start it just to move the car and shut it off without running it for more than a minute it will run very rough the next time I start it. I'm not sure if it fouls the plugs or why but my m50 and m20 and our Maxima are all that way.
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You may be correct on the smell from lots of cranking without firing. I have found with mine that if I start it just to move the car and shut it off without running it for more than a minute it will run very rough the next time I start it. I'm not sure if it fouls the plugs or why but my m50 and m20 and our Maxima are all that way.
It sounds like your fleet of cars needs a tune up.
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Have you pulled & inspected the plugs?
What happened to the car?
Hey narcosis! I have not pulled and inspected the plugs. I pulled a couple coils and looked down the tube to see if there was anything bizarre, but there wasn't. Maybe I should pull all the coils? I changed the plugs about 700 miles ago, so I doubt they're part of it... but if you recommend I still take a look I definitely will!
As far as what happened, I rear-ended someone. I have some pics on the "Well Crap :(" thread if you're curious.
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It sounds like your fleet of cars needs a tune up.
They are freshly tuned, no issues there. Only happens when starting and moving the car a couple feet and shutting it off so that it only ran for 15-30 seconds. It will just run rough for a few seconds on startup the next time. Not sure if newer ones are better but try it sometime.
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Is there some sort of "reset" button that needs to be switched after an accident?
My buddy had a Grand Marquis that didn't start until he google'd the issue. The Doc don't no des new cars...
@DrLeadFoot
any reason that will be an issue right now? I know I'll need it before I drive around
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