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Why is my car cranking but not starting: has fuel and the spark won’t start?
If your vehicle’s engine cranks but it is not running or stating, then it could mean your vehicle’s engine is having issues getting fuel, producing a spark, or making compression.
A bad ignition coil that leads to problems in the ignition or a clogged fuel filter that leads to fuel system issues is two of the most common causes.
However, there is also a chance of having a mechanical fault in the source such as a faulty component or a leaking valve in the system.
Car cranking but not starting doesn’t always refer to a problem with the starter system. If your engine is cranking normally, then your engine doesn’t have a starting problem.
But if the engine is not cranking right showing these examples: slow engine rotation, making weird sounds, or nothing when you start your car, then there may be a problem with the starter system.
Now, whatever you are doing, never crank the engine repeatedly thinking that the engine will fire up. Because it will drain the power of your battery as well as damage the starter motor in this process.
Note that this problem can exist across a number of engines types — 6.0 vortec, 5.7 vortec, 4.3 vortec, and plenty more.
Therefore try following our instructions as given below:
- Use the charge left in the battery to locate the fault first
- Do instant diagnostic tests by an expert mechanic
- Check that you are having spark or not
- Make sure of the proper compression system
- Make sure of the fuel reaching the cylinders time-to-time
- Go through all other possible components that may cause this issue.
When you will be done with all these steps, then you will certainly find the location of the issue and know what is causing the no-start condition. Consult a mechanic and discuss the issue to get a solution from him.
- Read more: What is a good cam for a 350 Chevy?
- Chevy Silverado V8 To V4 Problems
- What Is The Tire Pressure For A Chevy Silverado?
Why SBC has fuel and spark but won’t start?
If your SBC engine is getting fuel and spark but it still won’t start then these can be the probable causes for this issue:
- Crank sensor (Code: P0355-P0399)
- Fuel Pump (Code: P0230-P0233)
- Fuel Pressure (Code: P0190-P0194)
- PCM (Code: P0600-P0606)
Engine light is not on can be another reason for this problem, but you may also find the issue in any of the above-mentioned trouble codes as well.
A less common problem to this issue is a worn starter system that draws a lot of amps while cranking the engine of your vehicle that there may not remain enough juice left to power the fuel injectors and ignition system.
Weak battery, corroded and lose battery cables, etc. can also be the contributing factors to this issue.
Reasons why Chevy 350 TBI won’t start has spark and fuel
Ignition timing and EGR valves getting stuck wide open are the reason why Chevy 350 TBI won’t start that even has spark and fuel.
Therefore, you should check the EGR valves as well as make sure the ignition timing is okay. Only then, your Chevy 350 TBI engine will start again and run like before.
Reasons: the distributor has spark but won’t start
Sometimes even when the distributor has a spark but the engine won’t still start because of not getting the good spark. Distributor having spark doesn’t mean it is getting good spark and therefore your engine won’t start as the good sparks are not reaching to the cylinders to make that happen.
It would be better if you use a spark tester to determine the spark of your distributor. Only then you can find whether your engine is missing a spark or having a weak spark. But try to use an adjustable tester that can test between 10KV and 40KV to get the best results.
After the completion of the test, you will either not find any spark or find a weaker spark that has a relation with a poor ignition system.
For getting a further diagnosis, you have to consult a vehicle repairer and they will solve the starting issue of your vehicle according to your vehicle’s model.
Why 89 Chevy truck turns over but won’t start?
To find the reason behind this problem, you have to do several tests at first. Make sure the engine check light turns on when you start the ignition on. If this goes well, then it will mean your ECM is powering fine.
Then you need to pull off the air cleaner so that you can watch if the fuel injectors are spraying into the throttle body. If this also seems okay, then you will be sure there are no issues with your distributor, ignition module, ECM, pickup coil, fuel injectors, and fuel pumps.
Now you have to check the ignition cap, coil, and rotor to locate the problem and find a solution for it. But once you are done with all the tests, then you will certainly have a conclusive result in your hand.
You can define the problem then and ask for a solution from the experts and get your vehicle ready again.
What is the reason that 350 TBI no start?
There are a few reasons behind 350 TBI starting problems and they are as follows:
- Fuel not reaching the tank and cylinders
- Computer memory detecting trouble sensor code
- Discharged battery or lose starting wires
- Damaged starting system
- Erroneous security system
- Wear out or blow a fuse
Is the Chevy 6.0 a good engine? Cold Air Intake for Chevy Silverado 1500 and check out How to Change 5.3l Lifters without removing heads.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What has spark and fuel no start?
When there is a spark when you crank the engine, it will then refer to the ignition. As your ignition module is good, then the problem will be either with compression or fuel.
You can look for an RPM signal from the Crankshaft Position sensor using an AutoTap Express DIY at the same time cranking the engine. A bad Crankshaft Position sensor is a popular cause of the engine’s no-starts issue.
2. Why is my truck cranking but not starting?
When your truck engine is cranking but won’t run or start, then it could mean your truck engine is facing trouble producing a strong spark, or getting fuel, or creating compression.
The most common causes for this problem are ignition problems like a bad ignition coil or fuel system problems like clogged fuel filters.
3. How do you diagnose an engine that won’t start?
You need to check the starter by banging the engine with something heavy and then try starting the car again. If you listen to any noise from your starter then and the engine still doesn’t crank, it will mean your engine is having a bad starter motor.
Therefore unbolt the starter motor and get them checked into a car parts store so that they can assure you if the starter is damaged or not.
4. How do you adjust the distributor on a Chevy 350?
Go and check this video out to get a better and practical understanding of this question:
5. What should the timing be set on a Chevy 350?
The timing on a Chevy 350 can vary from 2 degrees to 12 degrees BTDC (Before Top Dead Center). The recommended timing varies from engine to engine and model to model as the spark plugs are different from each other.
Even the plug gaps vary also in Chevy 350 engine. But in most cases, it is right to start with 12 degrees of the initial advance. The initial timing should be 4 degrees before the BTDC.
6. What should I do with my 5.7 Vortec if no start but has fuel and spark?
If your Vortec 5.7 engine won’t start but it has fuel and spark, here are some steps you can try:
- Test fuel pressure using a gauge at the fuel rail. The pressure should be 40 to 60 PSI.
- Replace the air filter if dirty and inspect the air intake for cracks or damage.
- Ensure the spark plugs aren’t fouled and the spark plug wires are connected properly. Replace worn or damaged spark plugs.
- Measure engine compression using a compression tester.
- Inspect the timing belt for damage or breakage.
- Test the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) using a digital multimeter.
- Test the Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor using a digital multimeter.
- If these steps don’t resolve the issue, seek the help of a professional mechanic or take the vehicle to a repair shop.
7. Why won’t my car start but I have power?
If your car won’t start, it usually refers to a dead or dying battery. But as your car have power that means the battery isn’t dead yet.
It may be a bad alternator or an issue with the starter or a loose connection or a corroded cable. These can be the reasons for which your car won’t start even after having power from the battery.
8. How do you fix a car that won’t start but cranks?
If the car cranks but doesn’t start then the reason may be having a dirty or corroded battery terminal. Battery terminals are the things that connect the electrical power system to the battery to forward the power to the engine to start the car.
If you can attempt to jump-start your car, then it may either confirm or eliminate the chance as the cause of this issue.
9. How do I know if my fuel filter is clogged?
If you get to see any of the followed symptoms in your fuel filter, then you can make sure that your fuel filter is clogged:
- Stalling
- Failure of the Parts of Fuel System
- Hard starting
- Misfiring (Random)
- Poor Engine Performance
- Rough Idle
Conclusion
Engine fails to start even after cranking is a common issue for many vehicle owners. But it may be difficult to fix if you are not aware of the starting point of troubleshooting.
This article will guide you to locate the problems but you should be the one to come up with a proper diagnostic solution with a proper strategy to fix your Chevy 350.
We also tried to remind you of some simple yet easy-to-forget parts to look into while locating the issue.
Therefore, this article will certainly help you locate the problem first, and then consulting with an expert mechanic will provide the solution to the problem as well.
