G50: No engine compression

[VJ1]

Ok, here goes. 1994 G50 135k miles. Oil change every 3K like clockwork. Never had a single prolem with this gem. The car had not been started for about a week, and when I did, it started normally and ran for about 3 seconds and then cut off. No strange noises or shudders when it cut off. After that the engine now spins with almost no compression when the ignition is turned. It's not a battery issue, it's a no compression issue. Sounds like when the timing belt broke on my B11 Sentra. What do I do next? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Vandi.

[qship96]

Are you sure it is not just the starter you hear spinning without engaging flywheel? Open hood and confirm plastic fan blades turn when you attempt to start motor.

[maxnix]

3 seconds of running under ultra rich cold start-up conditions means your cylinder walls were washed clean of oil, thus no compression.

Charge your battery, pull your fuel pump fuse, then crank your engine for about 15 -20 seconds. Install fuel pump fuse and start normally. No throttle engagement!

When's the last time you changed the fuel filter and fuel pump (see sticky about posting in this Forum, please)? Ethanol in fuel? BG44K or SL1? Iso-HEET?

[SteveTheTech]

After that the engine now spins with almost no compression when the ignition is turned.

Not to sound picky, but is that a guess or did you test the compression?

I like qships suggestion, try that before all else.

Oil Changes are good put these cars do need a little more lovin.

A no start on these cars can be caused by so many things. We need a little more information please.

[VJ1]

The fan is spinning when cranked so the starter is engaging. That was the the first thing I checked. I'll give Brian's recommendation a try Saturday and see what happens. Fuel filter changed at 90K miles. To the best of my knowledge fuel pump was never replaced. BG44K 6K miles ago. Florida has 10% Ethanol in fuel.

[maxnix]

Better order pump, O ring and filters (air, cabin, fuel and M1 oil) from Joe while they are an additional 7% off through next week.

http://www.ininifitipartsusa.com

[VJ1]

Ok..I took Brian's suggestion for pulling the fuse for the fuel pump, cranking for 20 secs, reinstalling fuse and cranking without throttle. First attempt did'nt work but I heard it trying to start. Repeated the process and it worked perfectly. I'm now back on the road thanks to you all. Brian, your expertise is as always very much appreciated. Thank You. Vandi.

[maxnix]

Lucky you didn't wash the cylinder walls too much on the first try!

Anyway, in the future, don't cold start and shut off before temperature gauge has moved off the peg.