Starting Problems On 92 MR2

[MayBF8]

I have a 92 MR2 that I just had a new engine installed about 3000 miles ago. Also had a new battery, new clutch, and all new brakes installed at the same time.
The car was running like a dream until about 3 weeks ago and I started having trouble with it starting sometimes.......cranking but not turning completely over, but finally starting. NOW....it is not starting at all. It is still cranking......giving a good shot....but won't start.
Any ideas?

[Henry0313]

it probably ur fuel pump not pumping gas too ur engine ur probably going too need a new one or a new oil pump

[MayBF8]

Thanks, Henry. How Can I check my fuel pump.....very simple please. I am a girl!!
Also, if the fuel FILTER was clogged, would it still run.....just run rough? Or would that stop it from running also?
I have loads of money in this already, so I am trying to check this myself.

If it is the oil pump.....which I have never heard of, it will be under warranty, since I just had a new engine put in.

Thank you so much.

[MRQtwinturbo]

check if you have any spark....could be ignition relation...

[MayBF8]

Originally Posted by MRQturbo

check if you have any spark....could be ignition relation...

Thanks, MrQ....I DO have spark. Isn't there a ign relay that goes in the back with the fuses?? Is that what you are talking about?
I can't seem to find one. Do you know where a girl could buy one?
Nice looking car.......mine is white.....is yours a 92?

[Dreams0099]

It's probably not the oil pump, when that goes out it usually ruins the motor. Fuel or spark are your 2 best things to check.

To check fuel take the bolt off of your fuel filter (good time to change it if it hasn't been changed recently) and crank the motor. Have someone else look and see how much fuel comes out of there. It should be A LOT. If not then it's a problem with the fuel pump. Also you can unplug one of the fuel injectors and plug a small LED light in there (might have to run some small wires and pins to plug it in, also doesn't matter which end of the light you plug in which wire of the connector.) Have someone crank the car, the light should blink. Might try it with all 4 injectors if you think you did it wrong on the first one. That will tell you if the ECM is telling the injectors to inject fuel into the motor.

To check spark just unplug one of the spark plug wires and get a spare spark plug (find one laying around or go buy a new one) and plug the spark plug into the end of the wire and leave it laying down on top of the motor. Have someone crank the motor (don't crank it for very long) and see if the spark plug fires (might work better if you can do it in the dark.)

Hope that helps!

[Henry0313]

i agree with dreams thats a good way too check ur pump or spark, yea never mind with the oil pump if it was the no oil will be pumping to ur engine an it wont even have a crank, another really easy way is to take ur car too a shop the has a computer to check ur ur fuel if its working properly they be able to do it with out taking the whole pump out, and with the spark plugs its like a 50 percent chance thats not the problem but its the easy thing to do first so check them first n if thats ok than check the fuel pump. what year is ur car with what kind of engine

[MayBF8]

You all have been alot of help to a "newbie".

I have owed 2 MR2s....this 92 for 12 years. Always before when I had fuel problems, I would miss & hesitate while driving BEFORE the car quit. This just stopped and I couldn't even "pop the clutch" to start her.

A friend sprayed ethanal to check my "spark" & I DO have spark.....but the engine will NOT turn over.

NEW Platinum plugs in it.

It did this once before.......YEARS AGO.....and it was a relay switch, I think. It goes in the front with the other fuses & relays and says "ign". I have looked to order a "ignition relay switch" or an "ignition sensor", but no one has anything. Am I asking for the wrong thing?
I hate to pay the large tow bill to take it to the shop & put it on the computer.....will cost me about $100. Like I said earlier, I just put a NEW engine in this. Plus, battery, clutch, all brakes, tires.....LOL I am broke!!
But I love my car!!
Thanks everyone.

[Henry0313]

who installed the engine for u or were did u buy it? thats what its called (irs) go to the toyota delare they be able to help u out better with parts.

[MayBF8]

Henry......I bought the engine at a Napa Auto Parts (here in Ohio it is called Ross Auto parts). It was over $3000.00. They recommended a shop that works on foreign cars to install it for me + I needed all new brakes & a clutch.
I have owed this 92 since 1996, but at about 240,000 the engine blew, so I let it sit until I could get the money to fix it.
I have looked everywhere for this IRS, but can't find one......I am hoping that is my problem.
Thanks for all your help.

[Dreams0099]

From what I can find in the manuals it's called an Ignition Main Relay.
Here's a link.

http://www.mr2-tech.com/bgb/electric..._locations.htm

It's on Page F: Relay Locations, #2 R/B No 2 Engine Compartment Left, the one on the top right of the picture.

If that is the one you are referring to you should just be able to pull it out and take it to Toyota or another parts store.

[Ghostyman]

Originally Posted by MayBF8

A friend sprayed ethanal to check my "spark" & I DO have spark.....but the engine will NOT turn over.

Cranking over and turning over are the same thing.

To clarify here... when you say "will NOT turn over" you mean that the starter cranks the engine but doesn't start running. Otherwise, the distributor wouldn't turn and you wouldn't get spark. Assuming that it's turning over strongly, then the starter is still good (plus you said that popping the clutch didn't start it).

Did you test the fuel delivery? As noted by Dreams0099 above, it's easy to do by just unbolting the fuel line and cranking the engine. If you have a fuel problem, it is likely the pump.

My guess right now would be a slipped timing belt from when the engine was installed. That would explain why it it getting fuel, spark and air but not starting. If you have access to a timing light, it is relatively easy to check the timing. You should be able to borrow a timing light from a parts store or buy a cheap one from Harbor Freight. If this is the case, you should also be able to get it repaired for free by the shop that installed the engine.

We know the timing belt isn't broken because the distributor turns and it is driven by the camshaft which is driven by the timing belt.

Note 2: I like to test spark by sticking my finger in the end of the spark plug wire and making sure I get shocked when the engine turns over. I think I'd be in legal trouble if I recommended this method, so don't do it.

Is this a turbo or a naturally aspirated car? EDIT: I saw in the other thread it is NA.

Feel free to ask questions if anything is unclear.

[Ghostyman]

Oh, I forgot one of the easiest tests ever....

Get some starting fluid from the store. Spray some into the intake while it's being cranked over. If it starts and then dies, your problem is fuel. If the car acts the exact same, it's probably your timing.

[Ghostyman]

Just curious... any resolution on this problem?

[tHa kNiGHt FaLL]

its probably timing related... whether its cam timing or ign timing is one thing.

the others do give sound advice on where to start on an "typical" problem.

But logically from someone who does this all day everyday you have to question the quality of the install... and on top of that, what parts are new and whats re used from the old motor. Cause you can tell me all day the engine is new and i'll tell you have of what you think is new is re used. and when they did the cam timing you'd like to believe they didn't re use the tensioner. But its possible

But with everything said and done, almost all shops provide a 1 year warranty on labor. I'd take it back. demand they fix it. if they give you shit. threaten to call the BBB