95 Neon SOHC Wont Start, Help!!!

[JBurdick]

Hi,
I have a 95 neon that will not start. It turns over fine and the battery is good and strong. But it just spins with an occasional stumble like it wants to start. I checked for fuel at the fuel rail by the injectors and when we cranked the engine it spit out fuel. I then checked the color of the spark and it was Orange/yellow. So I went and purchased a new coil pack thinking the spark was weak. it still didn't start. I pulled all the plugs and could smell gas on them but they didn't look drenched. Any more suggestions as to what I can do to get this to start? Please let me know. Thanks.

[Airjer_]

Does it sound like its turning over faster than it usually does?

Have you checks to see if the timing belt is broke?

[JBurdick]

it doesn't sound like it is turning over fast like it is just cranking the crank shaft. It does try and start from time to time. The timing belt looks to be intact.

[mopar_rocks]

Have you confirmed that the belt is indeed turning when the engine is being cranked? A partially opened valve will allow fuel to be drawn in the cylinder and then of course it will fire ... or sound like it's trying to start. Another thing to check is if it's getting enough fuel. Possibly clogged or malfunctioning injectors. A bad crank sensor is possible. Although a car will run with a bad cam sensor, just not all that good. A sure way to tell if it's a fuel problem is to squirt alittle (not much) starting fluid in the throttle body (or any highly flammable carb cleaner will work as well ... hell WD40 has started a vehicle for me once) If the car will idle for a second when that is introduced, it's a fuel problem and could be as simple as a clogged fuel filter. If it doesn't react any different, it's an ignition problem more than likely and as long as the timing belt is ok, then I would check the crank sensor. Of course all of this is merely suggestions and maybe you can take something useful from it. Good Luck.

[JBurdick]

I will try some starting fluid and see if it will start and die. Thanks for the suggestion.

[JBurdick]

Well after changing the coil, wires and plugs. it still didn't want to start. I sprayed a quick shot of starter fluid in the system and it started right up. I let it run for quite a while and it burned off all the raw fuel that was flooding the cylinders. Now it starts every time. Thanks for all your help.

[mopar_rocks]

Glad to see you got it up and running again.