Engine crank issue...I'm scratching my head on this...

Ok here is issue.

I have not tried to start my Duster in close to 18 months. It cranks with no issue and no "funny noises".

The issue happens when I put power to it to start. It cranks maybe 3/4 a turn the seems like it is about to start, it then stops dead. Like it is locked. Let off the start button and try again, same thing happens.

The timing is on as it ran when I parked it unless it jumped a tooth or something but don't think that happened. I pulled one valve cover and everything seems to be in order.

I did not see anything in the valley, still need to pull the other side but do not expect to see anything. As it cranks until it seems it is about to start.

The starter is tight, I have not checked the convertor bolts or the flex plate bolts yet but they should be tight as they are lock tighted in. I will check them tonight when I get home.

I'm stumped on this.

Pull all the plugs and crank it over and see if it is better.

The battery is weak.

If your battery is charged up, I'd pull the plus and see what runs out.

Pull all eight spark plugs, if you haven't yet, and try that If it cranks good, really fast, look under the hood to see if any liquids squirted out or not Another thing to check is the battery voltage before and during cranking

It cranks freely. When I turn the MSD on is when this issue happens.

It is a 16V system, it cranks. The battery is fully charged, been on float charge in controled environment so should not be an issue there.

I will pull all plugs and see what comes out.

Thanks and keep them coming.

Weak battery.

With no charger or anything check the voltage. It should read at least 16.5 volts if fully charged. Then just turn the MSD on and check the voltage again. It should still read at least 16 volts.

If it flunks these test either your charger or battery is dead.

Leon

Will do Leon, thanks.

I will be home in a couple hours and check right away...

I will report as soon as I know.

Weak starter? Might have corroded while sitting?

Another thing I will check. thanks,

Sounds like a battery issue...FWIW I just killed my third 16 volt battery this weekend. I believe due to the charger not going into "float" mode as all show signs of overcharging. 16 Volt batteries wont work well at much under 16 volts..

Thanks, Al.

Well when I got home lastnight I pulled the charger off the battery. The charger was off so it was in float mode, so no worries there on going to float mode.

I waited an hour to check the battery. It was at 17+ volts. So that was good. I then pulled the other valve cover to check the rockers and to see if there was any broken parts laying in the valley. Nothing out of place.

Next was to pull the plugs and see what I see. I pulled the plugs and they were wet. really wet, like shaking them out and liquid came out of them. It was fuel, no water. I found this funny as when I tried to start it the other day, I only pumped the gas 2 times. What I usually do to start the car. Now this is a freshly built carb so nothing was leaking out or anything.

I rolled the motor with plugs out and got sprayed for my effort. All fuel. So rolled it for a few seconds and left it alone for an hour to try.

The only thing I can think of is when I tried to start it in November the old carb just dumped fuel into the motor. I did not think it was possible for fuel to sit and not evaporate in 3 months with no carb and only a towel over the opening.

I put the plugs in, rolled it until I got oil pressure and hit the MSD. 2 pumps of the gas and she lit up right away. I was very happy.

Thanks, for the help. It was an easy fix thankfully.

fuel hydrolocked motor, that sounds expensive

Change your oil!!!! It's probably all gassed up!

I wouldn't call it fixed, you need to find out why it happened.

The why is easy, the old carb was dumping fuel. E-85 is rough on parts. The new carb does not leak as I was trying start it and I let it sit with the fuel pump running for a few minutes. So the new carb is doing it's job and not leaking.

I will be changing the oil over the weekend. No worries there....

Be aware that E 85 attracts water and will cause rust in the cylinders.

Better keep an ear on it!!! Did the same thing to much fuel while installing new fuel pump, when it hydroed it cracked the crank and hurt a few rod bearings

Do9ne it a few times also.check your fuel regulator before you put new plugs in and change the oil.don't. Want it to happen again

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Sounds like a battery issue...FWIW I just killed my third 16 volt battery this weekend. I believe due to the charger not going into "float" mode as all show signs of overcharging. 16 Volt batteries wont work well at much under 16 volts..

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Well my 2nd 16 volt battery also died this weekend also. I use a Turbo-Start charger(now have a Rock 16 volt battery),it charges and when finished I take it off charge,was think maybe I needed a charger that would go into float mode that I could leaved hook up all the time,but I see that's not the answer either.

Anyone have any helpful input on charging or the up-keep of these 16 volt batteries?That is the only problem with the 16 volt batteries. The only useful info. I really have is the Rock 16 volt seems to be the strongest.