1993 Toyota Camry 2.2L Starting problem - really confused with this one

[lraklrak99]

I own a 1993 Toyota Camry 2.2L 4cyl 5 speed manual with 145,000 miles on it. At 118,000 I had the pulled the head off and had it repaired and machined to spec since there were a few hairline cracks in it. Anyway put it back together using Toyota gaskets, seals, etc. Everything up to specs and it ran and still doe’s runs great except at idle which is just a hair rough, but I am yet to replace the IAC valve.
Went to start it up today after the car was sitting for about three days and this is where the problem started. Turned a few times like it was going to start and then started turning like there was no compression. Turned the key back off and then on again and the same thing happened, but then finally started and as usual ran great like nothing happened. Shut it off and on and it started right back up no problems. Drove back and forth to work again no problem starting. To the store and back a few times and again no problem.
The only things I checked so far were the spark plugs to see if any were loose and they were not. Coolant and oil levels and their colors were fine. I am yet to perform a compression test to confirm there isn’t any issues there. Exhaust is normal. No abnormal noises (slapping timing belt, etc.) when the engine runs and has power and is smooth at higher rpms (up to 4000 – don’t go above). Now here are the only things I think it may be.
1) When I went to start it up the first time I turned the key immediately. Maybe this prevented fuel to pressurize in the rail since it was sitting for a few days?
2) Possible loose timing belt even though it was replaced (Toyota brand) along with belt tensioners not that long ago and everything torqued up to spec.
3) Fuel pump slowing going?
4) Open for suggestions.

[awisniewski]

I'll take a stab it this since you haven't gotten any replies.
Maybe something with the starter engaging? Reason I ask is because you said it sounded like there was no compression??
Hows your battery voltage?
Do you have to hold the clutch in to engage the starter on this model? I'm not familiar with your setup(my '98 has a auto trans), but on a none Toyota car I owned there was some sort of safety switch.

[1996camry]

sound like a starter to me, but before 100% starter. problem..

next time, you have the same problem... try to start the car in Neutral (N) if you can start right up or not.... worry, itmight be your safter switch engage for (P, D, N)..

it you can start up from N (neutral) not in park (P), then it's your safe switch..

keep an eye on it...
if the starter go bad, you can hear a 1 click, 2 click, or 3 click and sometimes start up right away without problem..other you have problem, when starter goes bad..


you then hear 1 or 2 or 3 click then the car start up again...

just keep close eyes because it can go either way problem...

[JohnGD]

Yeah, sounds like the starter. Except I'm not sure how the plunger didn't engage ( sounded free spinning) and still had the motor windings energized.

[Pvt-Public]

it you can start up from N (neutral) not in park (P), then it's your safe switch..

Hmmm I never have seen Park or Drive on a 5 speed.

[1996camry]

sorry, I though you have automatic transmission. if 5 speed, then switch doesn't apply to your case.

[NapalmFTW]

It sounds like we have a similar problem.

94 Camry 4 cyl strange cold start problem

I think mine is possibly battery related though... I'm not sure. It turns over almost as if its got a low battery, does it a couple more times and if I keep the starter going it will fire up. Or I release the key, turn the car off, try to start it and it fires up. Then when driven for a while or w/e it will start fine, but leaving it for a day or so and bam... does the same thing.

It happened after I changed my timing belt, but then the temperatures have dropped here so I don't know right now. My battery could be going bad. It drops to around 11.5V or less over night after running the car (when the car is running its outputting 14V or so, when I turn the car off the battery shows 12.2V).

I also have a NSS that is going bad, but that's not your problem.