Brava non-starter (help)

[Steve]

I own a 1996 Brava 1.6, 55k

Recently (prob due to cold weather) car has been stuttering on start-up, but OK after a few seconds.
Today though, engine failed to start even though garaged.

There are sparks at all plugs and fuel is abundant, in-fact plugs become wet quite quickly. Battery is OK also. Just had oil changed at local garage, it is overfilled slightly but this is prob nothing to do with actual problem.

Any ideas what could be the problem here.

 

[Tom]

Does it try to fire or does the engine just turn over with no signs of life at all?

How overfilled was it?

 

[Steve]

It just turns over with no indication that it is likely to start.

oil level above the max on dipstick by 2-3mm.

 

[Tom]

Unplug the battery for a couple of hours.

 

[Steve]

Why wont this damn thing start - I've tried disconnecting the battery (and re-connecting) as previously mentioned, but still no signs of life.

Sparks are still OK, the CODE light goes off as required, so does the fuel injection light.

I`m getting desperate as battery is only just holding out, even trying heating up plugs!

 

[Steve]

I have a real problem with my Brava here which will be even worse if it continues into next week (see previous messages).

Any suggestions as to the cause - I thought this site was all about discussing problems rather than sport, and un-necessary bolt-on extras.

 

[Tom]

You left it off for a few hours?

You sure the plug leads are connected correctly?

 

[Steve]

Yes, I left the battery off for over 2 hours, then re-connected. The plug leads are also connected correctly,
they are fairly new also, as are the plugs and coil.

As previously stated, fuel is reaching the cylinders
but wetting the plugs very quickly, thus after turning engine over on the starter for a few seconds, the plugs soon become useless. There is still no sign of life - could it be a sensor or something.
The CODE light is going off as it should so its not a key problem.

 

[Tom]

Tried starting it with your foot flat on the throttle?

 

[steve]

Ive had similar problems on about three occasions.
Only ever lasts for one day though.

It appears to happen if the car is started and stopped momentarilly IE driving into garage at night.

Wont start next day what ever I do.

Grumbles a bit the next but will start???.
I recall someone here saying it was an ECU prob with not dealing with momentary starts. Ive never found disconnecting battery helps though. Is this the correct way to reset ECU?

 

[steve]

Re: Re: Brava non-starter (help)

As an after thought, My mondeo did the same just before Xmas.
This turned out the be petrified cabling to the crank sensor. The cables run close to the engine, so get very hot.

About 6 inches of insulation had fallen of both wires over time. Therefore shorting together.
Dont know were the crank sensor is on Bravas. Might be worth checking out.
Is there a cam sensor?.

 

[Steve]

Eventually started the Brava on Monday morn after charging battery overnight. Foot flat on accelerator
seemed to do the trick although the battery and starter were both taking a hammering.

Thanks steve (another steve) and Tom for comments - remembering last Wed when I did momentarily start the engine to park in garage, looks like this is where prob began.