Dead as a Dodo!
 

Anyone with any suggestions what to check. Drove to work and noticed the engine missing a little but it came good and was running smoothly as I drove into my parking spot. In the afternoon when trying to go home - car simply would not start! All ignition lights are on and look OK, cranks beautifully but simply will not fire! Car has 165K on the clock and has not missed a beat for 16 years!
Happy to listen to any suggestions before I have it towed to a mechanic.

Re: Dead as a Dodo!
 

You need to pull the error code, even if it doesn't start there will be one there. Will bet the code will tell us were to look next.
Did you replace the timing belt at 100K?
Tony

Re: Dead as a Dodo!
 

Many thanks Tony - didn't think of that as the first place to start. Well it's code 12 which points to the starter switch or circuit. Must be something past the starter motor as it cranks fine. Where would you suggest checking next?
Andrew

Re: Dead as a Dodo!
 

starter signal code will be because you cranked the car for so long, if there are no codes you will need to think about items the ecu cannot 'see'
fuel pump, coils, spark plugs etc are where i'd be looking. can you hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the 'reds' on?

Re: Dead as a Dodo!
 

Check fuel pump to see if you have pressure, you didn't answer about timing belt.

Re: Dead as a Dodo!
 

My guess would be one of the two Crank Angle Sensors.

I believe that if the second sensor (or the cam angle sensor) fails, the engine will still start, but if the first one fails, the engine will not start or run.

Thankfully, the sensors are easy to get at - both Crank Angle Sensors are mounted just above and behind the crank pulley.

You may be able to switch the sensors to see if the engine will then start - but I am not sure if the Crank Angle Sensors are interchangeable.

Jason.

Re: Dead as a Dodo!
 

Hi,
Have you checked the timing belt? I had this happen on a previous car and it turned out the belt has snapped. Like the SVX's engine mine was no interference too.

Re: Dead as a Dodo!
 

Timing belt was done at the 100K service. Is there an easy way to check if it is the timing belt. Sounds like it is a tow job to the workshop! Thanks for all your help guys! Will let you know the outcome when it is back on the road.

Re: Dead as a Dodo!
 

You can pull the half cover off the drivers side bank. Four 10mm bolts and you can see the status of the belt.

Re: Dead as a Dodo!
 

Just had it diagnosed by NRMA - no fuel coming out from the fuel filter so most likely fuel pump or related electricals. Will keep on checking but at least I know it is in the fuel system!

Re: Dead as a Dodo!
 

check for power at the puel pump wire , if there is power, new pump is needed. walbro 255lph pumps will be a good upgrade while your in there. just make sure you get a genuine walbro

Re: Dead as a Dodo!
 

I can't remember a fuel pump just dieing fully normaly they slowly stop pumping so I agree check the wiring.
Tony

Re: Dead as a Dodo!
 

have you tried giving the pump area a belt with a hammer ? if the pump is dodgy that might make it run

Re: Dead as a Dodo!
 

Don't condemn the pump just because it has 12V to it. The pumps ground is at the pump's modulator under the rear deck.

When you turn the Ign on. The pump gets 12V on the Blue wire, for about 5 seconds You need to check the pump's ground voltage on the Yellow wire. If this wire also has 12V on it, then the pumps modulator under the rear deck is not grounding the pump. To test if this is the problem, put a ground on the Yellow wire, see if the pump will run for the 5 seconds. If it does then you will have to check the connections, and the grounding wire, on the modulator under the rear deck.

Harvey.

Re: Dead as a Dodo!
 

I agree with Harvey, check all the wiring first.
Fully understand that people like the Walbro but when you hold the standard SVX pump along side the Walbro you will see why I don't like them. They will never last as long as the SVX pump.
I have had 2 SVX pump failures so I replace them with Bosch pumps and they have stood the test of time with me. The first one I install 250k back and it still pumps full pressure today. As a result the other car got a bosch coversion when its pump failed.
Tony