Technical Stalling on startup?

[camo]

At first i noticed idling problems, sudden drops in RPM's ,last time it was working it was revving itself in idle.

Had fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs replaced, cleaned the IAC, bought a new battery.
The fuel pump must be working, because after cranking, I took off the air box, and the throttle body was wet from gasoline.Also checked for blown fuses.

When i turn the key starts cranking, and kinda wants to start, but then dies, and if i try it again it won't even ignite, it's just cranking.

Car is a FIAT punto MK1 1108 cc from 1995, with single point injection.

HELP

 

[fingers99]

Plugs, leads, compression. Check all, in that order.

 

[bredsticz]

Cleaning the throttle body too much or using wrong substances can make it worse. Have you checked the timing on it. I did have one punto where it was a tooth or 2 out and took a few months untill it started cutting out at start up idle

 

[camo]

Didn't use any substances, only dry tissue paper. But I am going to check the timing belt!
In case its off, what can i do?

 

[fingers99]

If it's off, put a new one on (and a new tensioner).

For cleaning the TB, carb cleaner is fine, but best to remove the throttle body.

 

[camo]

A new timing belt? Wouldn't the engine still be timed badly ?

 

[fingers99]

Yes. But when fitting the new belt, you re-time it.

8v engine is easy (and you can do no damage if you get it wrong).

Plenty of guides in this section and the Cinq/Sei one (timing details are identical for 1108 and 1242).

 

[bredsticz]

Dry tissue? So you cleaned the valve? Need carb cleaner into the throttle body

 

[camo]

OK, so I found out that there is a grey button under the seat to the left, by the door (steering wheel on the left side). I understand that its some kind of fuel cut off switch? I remember pressing it to see what is it, nothing happened. Maybe that's the problem? I'm gonna try messing around with it and see if it starts.

Tell me if I'm wrong ...

 

[fingers99]

Worth a go, but, first, check for spark and fuel past the injector (when cranked you should see it dribbling onto the throttle butterfly).

If neither, has to be TDC sensor.

 

[camo]

So i tried with the fuel cut off reset switch ... That was't it, I saw the injectors work, It was pulverizing fuel nicely

When i turned the key in the first 3 days or so it started up INSTANTLY, but after 2 seconds of bad idle, it died.

@ fingers99, what is the TDC sensor, what does it do, and where can i find it

 

[s and b]

check for an inlet leak on the induction side
do these have a plastic manifold? see if it has backfired and burnt a hole somewhere
are you sure right type plugs fitted
can you do a compression test as suggested

do all the basic tests first with eyes nose and tail

 

[fingers99]

TDC sensor is at about 3 o'clock from the alternator pulley on the crankshaft end.

It's the sensor which tells the ECU that the engine is running, and where the piston is, so acts as the "master" control for ignition and fuel timing.

But if you're getting fuel past the injector, chances are it's OK.

 

[camo]

I charged my battery, and tried again. It did start but the engine is shaking badly, i'm guessing not all the cylinders are firing. Is it safe, to drive like this to a service? (about 3km)

I don't wanna be stranded in the middle of the road with the car not starting ...

 

[camo]

The problem turned out to be a combination of bad gas and leaking plug leads (coil side)

When i managed to start it up there was a bunch of liquid (water?) pouring out from the tail pipe.

 

[fingers99]

Water from exhaust may jest mean that a lot has condensed in the pipes, see if it clears. Keep an eye on coolant level as it can also be a sign of a blown HG.