Beat not starting

[aj17ay]

I parked my BEat in the car park today, and after returning to it, IT JUST WOULDNT START UP!

I could hear the fuel pump, it was turning but just not starting!
Normally I press the accelerator to give it a boost and it works.

Last week, I completley drained my fuel out and since then it has been causing these starting problems!

Eventually after bloody 25 minutes it started!

What I did was keep pressing my clutch to help pump the fuel (did so many times) and then it eventually started! My clutch is also really soft, could this be a problem?

Am I looking at replacing the started motor then? My Battery is only 1 month old!

Please help!

[8EAT]

If the engine was turning over can't be the starter motor....did you flood the engine? why does pushing the clutch push the fuel in?

[Mylee]

The clutch has nothing to do with pumping the fuel.

[Wh1teLeopard]

Pumping the clutch shouldn't affect anything if the road wheels aren't turning.

Have you checked your distributor for cracks? Mine used to not start after a good down pour because water kept getting into the cracks.

Another thing might be your head gasket, mine had never been serviced when I bought it and it was so choked up it could hardly breathe or pass the fluids around.

I think you're going to have to bed your beat in a garage and set about tackling things one by one until you find the root of the problem. If it's anything like mine by the end you'll be amazed how much power you were loosing.

For your clutch check your reservoir under the bonnet, next to the brake reservoir. Make sure it's nice clean fluid. I believe the only way to bleed it is at the engine end, though I'm prepared to be proven otherwise.

[aj17ay]

Pumping the clutch shouldn't affect anything if the road wheels aren't turning.

Have you checked your distributor for cracks? Mine used to not start after a good down pour because water kept getting into the cracks.

Another thing might be your head gasket, mine had never been serviced when I bought it and it was so choked up it could hardly breathe or pass the fluids around.

I think you're going to have to bed your beat in a garage and set about tackling things one by one until you find the root of the problem. If it's anything like mine by the end you'll be amazed how much power you were loosing.

For your clutch check your reservoir under the bonnet, next to the brake reservoir. Make sure it's nice clean fluid. I believe the only way to bleed it is at the engine end, though I'm prepared to be proven otherwise.

Hi and really appreciate the reply.

I take it the depressing the clutch pedal is the myth, yeah?? can't seem to find any information on it.

A brand new distributor, cam shaft, cam gear, timing belt was all done only a month ago, by the previous owner. Although I will check the distributor.

I will also definatly have a look at the head gasket. I was also thinking at changing/inspecting my spark plugs too.

Like most people have said, my Beat is in need of service and thats exactly what i'll do!

I'll have a search for bleeding the clutch too.

Thanks for the help

[aj17ay]

Just tried starting it again and same problem!

I recorded a vid of this time. Should help diagnose the problem better.

With the car turned to position 2 on the ignition, I can hear the fuel pump, not sure, if you can hear it in the video.

Hope this helps to get to the bottom of my problem.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=UV8dQp7RAvk

[marcair]

note that the problem started after the fuel was purged from the tank. May want to focus in this area. Is it possible dirt is trapped in the pick-up or elsewhere in the lines. Look at all connectors in the area of the rework for looseness.

[Steve_M]

Engine light (Orange) should go out after 5-10 seconds as you hear a click from the fuel pump relay after it has primed the fuel pressure.

(I can't hear the pump on the video)

On your video the light only goes out when you crank, so more than likely main relay.

[aj17ay]

Cool!

Im getting the main relay replaced on wednesday, along with the fuel filter.

Thanks for the help Steve.

The relay was replaced by the previous owner in Feb/Mar 08. This sounds like a real common problem!

[8EAT]

Did the person who sold you the car have any problems before he sold to you?

[aj17ay]

Just gave the car another attempt to start up. Eventually it started.

But this time, it cranked and started, but the Rev meter resisted to give a reading.

It sounded like it had started and with the rev meter resisting to rise I gave it some it some gas AND then it seemed to start up!

The main relay is getting replaced, but am I also looking at a bad ignitor?

Been using this site to help me diagnose the problem.

I think it's really useful for all Honda's - http://techauto.tripod.com/

[Steve_M]

You really need to determine each item.

When it wont start:

1) Does the engine light come on and go out with a click. Result: Main relay

2) Does the fuel pump prime when above happens. Result: Main relay or pump

3) Are you getting fuel pressure. Result: Pump

4) Do you have a spark. Results:Ignitor (Not common on beat) Distributor cap (Cracks or centre contact)(common on beat) HT fault (look for stray sparks)

[Steve_M]

Damaged ECU capacitor can cause allsorts of problems mainly idle and mixture problems (I dont recall seeing a beat nonstart due to ECU problems)

Carry out diagnostic engine check to see if any engine codes are stored.

[Wh1teLeopard]

Steve's a wonderful little beatcylopedia!

Engine code check sounds like a good idea (search for engine code)

[Steve_M]

http://www.u-ukhbc.co.uk/vbb/showthread.php?t=1448

[aj17ay]

Im REALLY appreciating the guidance and help im getting on from Members! Thank you so much.

I carried out an ECU diagnostic check, and there were no flashes, so the ECU is fine.

I've managed to get the main relay out! (This was fun! )

Looking at the main relay, it seems to have like an yellow/browny glaze over the circuit board, is this okay??

Some of the soldier connections are slightly covered in the same yellow/browny glaze too. Could this be causing a problem?

Pictures below ...





Hope this helps

[Steve_M]

I carried out an ECU diagnostic check, and there were no flashes, so the ECU is fine.

Just because it has no codes may not mean the ECU is fine. Looking at past post from the guy you brought the car from the ECU has had some sort of repair.

Looking at the main relay, it seems to have like an yellow/browny glaze over the circuit board, is this okay??

Looks ok to me.

But normally effected when its warm.
Is car starting ok at the moment??

[aj17ay]

Since everything was out, I had a quick look at the ECU. It was serviced/fixed by the ECU Doctor. There wern't any leaking components etc.

Anyway good news ....

After I put my relay back in, the car started instantly and also instantly 3 times after that without ANY trouble. The car also idled to 800 rpm without any trouble!

So just as steve recommended, I'll be getting the main relay replaced for sure and also get some of the work carried out by honda on wednesday!


Until then, I'll be happy BEATing!

--------------------------------------------------------------

Well after all that, I just tried to start it again, and it failed. Will further diagnose the problem once the NEW main relay is here!

[aj17ay]

--------- UPDATE ----------

I got a mini like service done on the car. (Oil filter, fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs)

I also fitted a brand new main relay and the same problem still persists!

However, the dealership still couldn't get it to start, but they said everytime they bumpstarted the car, it worked instantly!

So if bump starting it works perfectly, what could be wrong with my beat???

MY CURRENT BATTERY IS:

HB028
Voltage - 12V
Capacity - 36Ah
CCA(SAE) - 280A

Did some searching on forum, and I can't find the correct specification for the battery!

Is the HB055 a better choice?
Voltage - 12V
Capacity - 40Ah
CCA(EN) - 330A

Please help!

[aj17ay]

I've been doing some further research into my problem.

Since I ran the car dry of fuel, could the starting problem be caused BY AN AIRLOCK IN THE FUEL SYSTEM??

I've had the fuel filter replaced, so would have any air trapped in the fuel lines been taken care of??

PLease help