2004 LX 2.0 SPI tries to start but won"t

[bigrigjim]

i bought the coil a few months back when i did a tune up and never put it on. has spark and fuel pressure was running fine when shut off wouldn't start back.

[BC_ZX3]

If you've confirmed spark and fuel properly, then time to move on. Buy yourself a compression tester from the local auto parts store - $30.
If your compression shows low readings or readings are "lopsided" then timing is most likely the problem and the timing belt may have shed a few teeth and slipped. If you're not so lucky, one cylinder may read very low due to valve seat problems.

Crank position sensor is fine is you have spark.

IACV problems would result in an inability to idle consistently, not a no-start condition.

[bigrigjim]

ok would that happen without any warning?? Was running fine, pulled in to store parking lot turned it off, went inside for 10 minutes, came out and it wouldnt start.

[TheGlassMaker]

Yes.

[bigrigjim]

ok thanks very much time to buy a compression gauge and timing belt and tenisoner and go out and play in the rain. not a good way to spend the weekend

[TheGlassMaker]

I can't find the thread, but one guy just went out to start his car for work and it was over.

But here is this.

http://www.focusfanatics.com/forum/s...ped+valve+seat

[BC_ZX3]

It's possible. Another poster on FF recently had the timing belt go on their car (not a Focus) after coming to a stop at a light.
And just to confirm: Engine spins freely (sounds OK mechanically)?
What do the spark plug ends look like? Sooty and black or wet with fuel or?

[bigrigjim]

if it is a valve seat it should show up as loss of compression in one of the cylinder right???

[bigrigjim]

engine cranks normal plugs were damp with gas but clean, cleaned and replaced

[BC_ZX3]

Originally Posted by bigrigjim

if it is a valve seat it should show up as loss of compression in one of the cylinder right???

Yes.