1998 Accord V6, wont turn over, uughh !!

[accordcple]

Hey guys/gals,

What's up... ok here is my problem. I have had my 98' Accord sitting in the d-way for about 3 months now. I tried starting it up so I can start driving it again and to my surprise she wont start. All I get is the car 'trying' to turn over but nevr does. In fact from trying more than a few times, the battery ended up dying on me, the battery seemed to be weak from the get go though. The battery is a diehard which is aprox. 2 yrs old. So I tried giving the car a jump with another car of mine, and I thought it turned over for a asecond and then died. So I went and got some fresh gas,(tank was almost empty, in fact I thought maybe she was out) put the gas in, jump the ride again, crossed my fingers and tried starting her..... she still would not turn over. uughhh !!

So my question to you all, is what in the worl could have went bad from having the car just SIT there for 3 months. I mean I drove it and shut it down before storing it for 3 mnths.

I appreciate any, and all of your help.
Thanks,

John

[accordcple]

well from doing crazy searches on the site, I may wanna look into the fuel relay. Does anyone think otherwise or have any other suggestions on what else I should check. The car was sitting for like 3 months......maybe this stupid relay went bad...blah blah blah !!!

[AccordCodger]

My previous post seems to have disappeared, so I'll try and write it again.

First, 3 months is a VERY long time to leave a car standing in a driveway. In addition to the problem you've found (battery), fuel IS an issue (mower and generator manufacturers warn about that in their owners' manuals). Also, could have problems caused by damp (electrical contact corrosion, for example). That could have affected the distributor and/or plug wires. Then there's the condition of the oil & filter. They won't prevent it running but change them -- now. The tires probably have flat spots from standing so long, so don't be surprised if you get a "whump, whump." Anything that should have had lubricant/liquid circulating frequently is a candidate for deterioration, including the cooling system. The brakes are probably rusty, so you'd better hope that the calipers/cylinders aren't frozen (again, lack of use can cause that because of the damp).

[accordcple]

Thanks for the response, I will def. check the wires and everything ya said here. I am really hoping to get this car running becuase I want to have it for the winter months ahead.
I will def keep this post updated with whatever it is I find.
I saw a install guide for the relay, looks very simple, I will prolly hit that and the plug and wires.
Thanks again for your help.

Originally Posted by AccordCodger

My previous post seems to have disappeared, so I'll try and write it again.

First, 3 months is a VERY long time to leave a car standing in a driveway. In addition to the problem you've found (battery), fuel IS an issue (mower and generator manufacturers warn about that in their owners' manuals). Also, could have problems caused by damp (electrical contact corrosion, for example). That could have affected the distributor and/or plug wires. Then there's the condition of the oil & filter. They won't prevent it running but change them -- now. The tires probably have flat spots from standing so long, so don't be surprised if you get a "whump, whump." Anything that should have had lubricant/liquid circulating frequently is a candidate for deterioration, including the cooling system. The brakes are probably rusty, so you'd better hope that the calipers/cylinders aren't frozen (again, lack of use can cause that because of the damp).

[mpumas]

Not turn over????? Does that mean the engine would not spin when you turned on the key? If that is the case, it may be a weak battery or battery connection. You need a volt meter to check battery voltage when cranking. It should not be below 9.6 volts. Check at the cables, not at the battery first.

[accordcple]

Originally Posted by mpumas

Not turn over????? Does that mean the engine would not spin when you turned on the key? If that is the case, it may be a weak battery or battery connection. You need a volt meter to check battery voltage when cranking. It should not be below 9.6 volts. Check at the cables, not at the battery first.

Thanks MP,
I will check it, last night I was looking at the battery terminals and they were pretty damp and oily. I bushed them a little and still made no difference. Oh well ........ Maybe I will take them off completely and really clean em' good.

[AccordCodger]

mpumas - apparently a number of people misuse the term "turn over." Instead of meaning the same as "crank" they use it to mean "fire."

[mpumas]

Terminioligy is very important when communication is by email. If it is not perfectly clear, more questions will need to be asked thereby delaying a possible resolution.

[accordcple]

Originally Posted by AccordCodger

mpumas - apparently a number of people misuse the term "turn over." Instead of meaning the same as "crank" they use it to mean "fire."

Thanks AccordCodger and I'll use "crank" the next time Mpumas