ca18det running megasquirt problems with starting

[240sxisfun]

I almost done with a winter project that i started. 1990 240sx s13 with ca18det swap. The engine been starting up normal and quickly with out an problems stop the project for about a week and now the engine will only crank and not start checked all the typical places and still wont start just cranks. also checked my fuel maps. If anybody can help i would appricate it.

[float_6969]

I'm not a megasquirt guy, but give us some more info. How are you triggering it, stock CAS, or a hall sensor and wheel on the crank?

Are you getting fuel? Are you getting spark?

[240sxisfun]

Getting fuel n spark I'm 100% sure on spark I'm not running a cas. Swap the LSD to j30 when this problem started. I'm not starting it with a key start it connected thru the steering wheel. Real don't understand y the car won't start really haven't messed with the engine.

[float_6969]

Can you write that again in English, with punctuation and grammar?

[240sxisfun]

sorry I was at work and couldn't really type. Ok I'm getting spark and fuel. I did the old put the screwdriver trick to check. I am getting fuel because I hear the pump priming and the fuel filter is being filled up. I did the j30 lsd swap, before the swap the engine was starting right up and idling fine. I'm pretty sure that lsd swap should not affect the engine. I also checked my connections to the injectors and I pretty sure i'm getting fuel to the injectors. Im not running a cas or maf. Not sure what else to check.

[float_6969]

Did you check all of your fuses?

Use a noid light and make sure the injectors are firing. I'd also pull a spark plug and make sure you have spark.

If both of those check out, use a timing light and make sure your ignition timing is where it's supposed to be at.

If that checks out OK, then I'd say to check your cam timing.

[240sxisfun]

Getting fuel n spark I'm 100% sure on spark I'm not running a cas. Swap the LSD to j30 when this problem started. I'm not starting it with a key start it connected thru the steering wheel. Real don't understand y the car won't start really haven't messed with the engine.

[r34 gtr]

Tried re-flashing your tune to the ECU? Sometimes these MegaSquirt ECU's do some strange stuff. A re-flash usually fixes it.

You might also check your crank trigger, in case it has gotten bumped.

Make sure you haven't blown any fuses on your EDIS setup (I assume you are running Ford ignition)

Last, are you running a idle air valve? If not, and you are using the cracked throttle body trick, try adjusting it a bit. It makes a world of difference. If you are running an idle air valve, then make sure it is functioning properly. Also make sure you don't have any air leaks on or near the throttle body.

If none of that works, try fiddling with the prime pulse width.

[240sxisfun]

Thanks going to check the injectors n see if that the problem. If that the problem it'll be a quick fix.

[240sxisfun]

after i changed my injectors and put them back in I still am having the same problem. I can't check timing because it won't start. Still trying to figure out what is the problem . Any other suggestions would be helpful. My last resort would be sell the engine and build a KA24E (already have the engine and its just a big paper weight in the back of my garage) or if anyone can help me I would also pay someone to come out and fix it for me

[float_6969]

Cam timing, check it.

[240sxisfun]

How would you be able to check timing if the car does not start? Can you check it thru the megasquirt.

[iliketocrash]

He means check to make sure the timing marks on the cams and crank all are in the proper position when the motor is at top dead center. I've yet to see anything were you comment on checking to see if your injectors are actually firing. You can't just change them. You must make sure that they are pulsing. Use a multimeter if you don't have a noid light. If you can't do either of these things then no one here is going to be able to give you much help. Also, what are you going to do if you drop this project and start on the other motor and it gives you the same or a different problem that you can't fix? Spend more money and try something else? Keep with it!

[240sxisfun]

Sent my injectorts to linder lectric to get them service I didn't buy new ones. They reported that the injectors are firing. I'll check the cams today if I have time I'm also doing a compration test to see if that can be the problem. If I drop the project I would rebuild the KA24E with the AMS rebuild kit get a whole new wiring harness and us a different tuning system instead of megasquirt but for now I'll keep going at like a crack addict stuck in rehab.

[r34 gtr]

Um, have you checked ANYTHING I suggested you check?

Also, we have NO IDEA what your setup is. MSI, MSII, MSNSE? Which Megasquirt do you have? What ignition are you running? It would really help us if you filled us in.

[240sxisfun]

I got a ms II PCB3.0. I'm running the Ford ignition swap. I going to try a reflash. Check Crank trigger it's fine. I'm checking the cam timing today. I am running an idle air valve.

Modified by 240sxisfun at 3:40 PM 1/28/2010
Modified by 240sxisfun at 3:41 PM 1/28/2010

[r34 gtr]

Aaah, okay, cool.

My MSII PCB 3.0 is a bit of a b**** sometimes, so I would really recommend re-flashing your tune to it. Worked for me a few times.

[240sxisfun]

Was wondering if you have a write up or can give me some help on the reflash process? Had my friend do the tune for me last time n I'm not a 100% sure on the reflash process. I don't want to do something that going to make me cry lol

[240sxisfun]

ok here is the a list of what I tryed so far:Checked spark and fuel injectorsChecked wires for powerreflashed MS-2Checked timing checked fusescheck comprassion Injectors are firingCrank trigger is fine The car will crank, even spudder for a couple of seconds, but won't start. Don't understand it because it did start right up at one point in time. I had it running for a whole month after the build I stopped for 2 days came back to finish it and then this problem occured. Anymore suggestions or help will be greatly appricated(the suggetions given to me where very helpful don't think Im saying anything bad) car is really making me angry but I have been conviced by iliketocrash to continue on .
Modified by 240sxisfun at 6:13 PM 2/1/2010

[ca18detgabby]

pull the battery, take it have it tested.

it wouldnt be shocking if you battery isnt putting out enough CCAs or even has a dead cell.

may even have a slow drain in system somewhere...

something so simple can end up being a nightmare. def worth checking out.

[240sxisfun]

Got the battery replace 2 days ago. CCA are at 750

[ca18detgabby]

did you make kink one of the fuel lines putting the diff in?

seems like you screwed something up that is very basic, as you have covered all the bigger and more difficult stuff......... maybe a vac leak?