Car sat for too long

ThanatosThanatos Registered User regular
edited May 2009 in Help / Advice Forum
I let my car sit for too long without driving it, and now it won't start. It turns over a few times weakly, but won't actually start. It's a 1990 Honda Civic (manual). The lights are fine, so it's not the battery.

What are my chances of being able to push start it?

Thanatos on

Posts

  • Xenogears of BoreXenogears of Bore Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Just because the lights are fine does not mean it isn't the battery.

    How long are we talking here?

    Xenogears of Bore on
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  • UsagiUsagi Nah Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    There may be enough juice in the battery to light your interiors but not start the car. Do the lights dim after a few minutes or are they still bright?

    Usagi on
  • eternalbleternalbl Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    I'd say pretty good. The lights will be basically fine because they take a lot less power than the starter.

    It's a manual, right?

    eternalbl on
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  • Captain VashCaptain Vash Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    How long did you let it sit?
    was there gas in the tank?
    did it turn to gel?

    gas does that after an extended period of time.

    Captain Vash on
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  • ThanatosThanatos Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Probably been 3-4 weeks since I drove it last. Way longer since I filled up the gas tank (if that makes a difference).

    Thanatos on
  • Xenogears of BoreXenogears of Bore Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    How long did you let it sit?
    was there gas in the tank?
    did it turn to gel?

    gas does that after an extended period of time.

    Depends on where you live how long it takes.

    I'm kind of a hobbyist when it comes to moving former lawn ornament status cars and believe me, it takes years and years and a shitty gas cap seal for it to become inoperable in most climates. Sure, you might need to spray some fuel or ether here and there depending but usually we're talking 5+ years of non motion before gas won't start a car.

    Xenogears of Bore on
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  • Captain VashCaptain Vash Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    How long did you let it sit?
    was there gas in the tank?
    did it turn to gel?

    gas does that after an extended period of time.

    Depends on where you live how long it takes.

    I'm kind of a hobbyist when it comes to moving former lawn ornament status cars and believe me, it takes years and years and a shitty gas cap seal for it to become inoperable in most climates. Sure, you might need to spray some fuel or ether here and there depending but usually we're talking 5+ years of non motion before gas won't start a car.

    good to know.
    I just knew that it was a concern, not the details

    :P

    Captain Vash on
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  • ThanatosThanatos Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    How long did you let it sit?
    was there gas in the tank?
    did it turn to gel?

    gas does that after an extended period of time.
    Depends on where you live how long it takes.

    I'm kind of a hobbyist when it comes to moving former lawn ornament status cars and believe me, it takes years and years and a shitty gas cap seal for it to become inoperable in most climates. Sure, you might need to spray some fuel or ether here and there depending but usually we're talking 5+ years of non motion before gas won't start a car.
    Should I go buy a gallon of gas and a tank for it before I try push-starting this baby, or will it not make a difference?

    I think it has been several months since I last bought gas.

    Thanatos on
  • CorvusCorvus . VancouverRegistered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Just because the lights are fine does not mean it isn't the battery.

    How long are we talking here?

    Yeah, I'd say try jump starting it.

    Corvus on
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  • KhavallKhavall British ColumbiaRegistered User regular
    edited May 2009
    How long did you let it sit?
    was there gas in the tank?
    did it turn to gel?

    gas does that after an extended period of time.

    Depends on where you live how long it takes.

    I'm kind of a hobbyist when it comes to moving former lawn ornament status cars and believe me, it takes years and years and a shitty gas cap seal for it to become inoperable in most climates. Sure, you might need to spray some fuel or ether here and there depending but usually we're talking 5+ years of non motion before gas won't start a car.

    good to know.
    I just knew that it was a concern, not the details

    :P

    Fuck, I forgot to put gas stabilizer in my motorcycle over the winter, so that was about 6 months without starting the engine, and though starting it was insanely hard and there may be something with the battery, after trying enough we still got it to start eventually.

    For than... 1 month isn't really that long of a time... I don't know if I would start thinking "this is because I left it for a while" first.

    I'd check the battery still. Try charging it overnight and then seeing if the car starts.

    Khavall on
  • ArrathArrath Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Could it have something to do with the oil? I had a car once where if it sat too long all the oil seemed to drain down into the oil pan, once it started it would idle a bit rough until the system repressurized.

    Arrath on
  • ThanatosThanatos Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Khavall wrote: »
    For than... 1 month isn't really that long of a time... I don't know if I would start thinking "this is because I left it for a while" first.

    I'd check the battery still. Try charging it overnight and then seeing if the car starts.
    So, I just need to talk a friend into coming by and helping me jump it? No problem. :P

    Thanatos on
  • OrestesOrestes Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    What sound does the car make when you try to start it?

    Is it a clicking noise or does it actually sound like the engine is trying to start?

    Orestes on
  • ThanatosThanatos Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Orestes wrote: »
    What sound does the car make when you try to start it?

    Is it a clicking noise or does it actually sound like the engine is trying to start?
    The engine turns over. It is not merely a clicking sound.

    Thanatos on
  • OrestesOrestes Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Thanatos wrote: »
    Orestes wrote: »
    What sound does the car make when you try to start it?

    Is it a clicking noise or does it actually sound like the engine is trying to start?
    The engine turns over. It is not merely a clicking sound.

    Not the battery.

    If it was the battery you would hear a single click and all the interior lights would dim for a bit until you stopped trying to start it.

    However, it might be a bad connection from the battery.

    Other than that, a lot of things can cause this. Does the engine sound strained more then usual or does it sound like it usually does start up... only it doesn't?

    Orestes on
  • ThanatosThanatos Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Orestes wrote: »
    Thanatos wrote: »
    Orestes wrote: »
    What sound does the car make when you try to start it?

    Is it a clicking noise or does it actually sound like the engine is trying to start?
    The engine turns over. It is not merely a clicking sound.
    Not the battery.

    If it was the battery you would hear a single click and all the interior lights would dim for a bit until you stopped trying to start it.

    However, it might be a bad connection from the battery.

    Other than that, a lot of things can cause this. Does the engine sound strained more then usual or does it sound like it usually does start up... only it doesn't?
    The interior lights do dim when I try to start it, but I think they always do that.

    I don't know if it sounds more strained, or just much weaker.

    Thanatos on
  • OrestesOrestes Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Thanatos wrote: »
    Orestes wrote: »
    Thanatos wrote: »
    Orestes wrote: »
    What sound does the car make when you try to start it?

    Is it a clicking noise or does it actually sound like the engine is trying to start?
    The engine turns over. It is not merely a clicking sound.
    Not the battery.

    If it was the battery you would hear a single click and all the interior lights would dim for a bit until you stopped trying to start it.

    However, it might be a bad connection from the battery.

    Other than that, a lot of things can cause this. Does the engine sound strained more then usual or does it sound like it usually does start up... only it doesn't?
    The interior lights do dim when I try to start it, but I think they always do that.

    I don't know if it sounds more strained, or just much weaker.

    Well that's my point, if it was a dead battery you wouldn't hear your engine do anything, just a click and all the regular circuit jazz on the inside. Even if your battery is fine, it'll still do that circuit jazz.

    But like I said, it could be that your battery has a loose terminal, or just decayed.

    The only other things I can think of is if you mighta heard some squeeking noises from your car beforehand, it could be something with the belt, check that the belt is still intact and not cracked. Press DOWN (never lift) the belt to ensure it still have a decent amount of strength in it. Use one thumb and give it a firm press, if it feels in good condition, chances are it is.

    If it was squeeky beforehand it could be the waterpump, but dddddoooouuuuuubbbbbbttttt it.

    Oil pressure could be another thing.

    Orestes on
  • FatsFats Corvallis, ORRegistered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Orestes wrote: »
    If it was squeeky beforehand it could be the waterpump, but dddddoooouuuuuubbbbbbttttt it.

    Oil pressure could be another thing.

    The water pump wouldn't cause it to not start. Nor is oil (or lack thereof) an issue after only a month.

    I would definitely a) pull the battery leads off and clean the terminals and b) get a jump or attempt to push start it.

    Fats on
  • ThanatosThanatos Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Orestes wrote: »
    Well that's my point, if it was a dead battery you wouldn't hear your engine do anything, just a click and all the regular circuit jazz on the inside. Even if your battery is fine, it'll still do that circuit jazz.

    But like I said, it could be that your battery has a loose terminal, or just decayed.

    The only other things I can think of is if you mighta heard some squeeking noises from your car beforehand, it could be something with the belt, check that the belt is still intact and not cracked. Press DOWN (never lift) the belt to ensure it still have a decent amount of strength in it. Use one thumb and give it a firm press, if it feels in good condition, chances are it is.

    If it was squeeky beforehand it could be the waterpump, but dddddoooouuuuuubbbbbbttttt it.

    Oil pressure could be another thing.
    I mean, what about sitting for a few weeks would cause a loose battery terminal? Are you saying the problem is likely incidental to the sitting for a few weeks?

    It's also overdue (time-wise) for an oil change (but not mileage-wise) by a few months.

    Thanatos on
  • I'd Fuck Chuck Lidell UpI'd Fuck Chuck Lidell Up Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    jump start it. if that doesn't work there are many other things to try. this is the first one though

    I'd Fuck Chuck Lidell Up on
  • ThanatosThanatos Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Failing a jump start, is it worth trying a push start?

    Thanatos on
  • I'd Fuck Chuck Lidell UpI'd Fuck Chuck Lidell Up Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Thanatos wrote: »
    Failing a jump start, is it worth trying a push start?
    yeah

    edit: i would try rolling it forward a bit and then cranking it first. we had a car in the shop the other day that had a bad spot in the starter. we rolled it a bit and it fired right up

    I'd Fuck Chuck Lidell Up on
  • Seattle ThreadSeattle Thread Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Thanatos wrote: »
    Failing a jump start, is it worth trying a push start?
    Not from your parking lot. D:

    Seattle Thread on
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  • SkeithSkeith Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    I recently had a problem like this, managed to get a jump and that did the trick. Of course, next morning the battery was dead, found out my alternator had gone south on me on top of the ECM frying the month before. Best case it just needs a jump and some running time, worst case it's your alternator.

    Skeith on
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  • ZeonZeon Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Makershot wrote: »
    Thanatos wrote: »
    Failing a jump start, is it worth trying a push start?
    Not from your parking lot. D:

    Why not? If youre not useless you can push start a car in under 15 feet.

    I would guess a dead battery honestly, despite what other people are saying. A dying battery will still let the engine turn over without having enough power to actually get it to catch. Itll sound really bad, like "rrrRRRrrrrRRRrrrRRRrrrRR". If you keep trying eventually itll just top (after the battery is completely drained) and just make the clicking noise.

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  • a penguina penguin Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    If I were you, I would take the battery somewhere to get them to put a charge on it for you, simply because it's fast and easy to do that. Wal-Mart can do this for you.

    However, the fact that the engine turns over worries me. Hopefully it's still just the battery, but if the engine is turning over and hasn't stopped being able to turn over...

    You could start troubleshooting it (check for air, fuel, spark), but if you're asking this question, then you're probably not up to the task. I shocked the shit out of myself checking for spark one time. Good times. Besides, if it's not the battery, i'd put money on 'fuel', and maybe try putting some new gas in it like you were talking about.

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  • illigillig Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Orestes wrote: »

    Well that's my point, if it was a dead battery you wouldn't hear your engine do anything, just a click and all the regular circuit jazz on the inside. Even if your battery is fine, it'll still do that circuit jazz.

    But like I said, it could be that your battery has a loose terminal, or just decayed.

    The only other things I can think of is if you mighta heard some squeeking noises from your car beforehand, it could be something with the belt, check that the belt is still intact and not cracked. Press DOWN (never lift) the belt to ensure it still have a decent amount of strength in it. Use one thumb and give it a firm press, if it feels in good condition, chances are it is.

    If it was squeeky beforehand it could be the waterpump, but dddddoooouuuuuubbbbbbttttt it.

    Oil pressure could be another thing.

    jeebus... please stop giving car advice. There may be things you're good at, but this isn't one of them.

    OP, just get a jumpstart, or pushstart your car. If those don't work, then it's likely the starter.

    pushstarting directions http://www.ehow.com/how_7414_push-start-car.html
    Step 1 - Make sure that the problem is either the battery or the starter: If the engine cranks ("rrr-rrr-rrr") when you turn the key, then the problem isn't the starter or the battery.

    Step 2 - Plan to have at least one person sitting in the driver's seat and one person pushing. Mid-size and large cars require two or three people to push, depending on the strength of the people and whether or not the car is parked on an incline.

    Step 3 - Turn off all accessories (radio, wipers, lamps).

    Step 4 - Turn the key to the "on" position.

    Step 5 - Depress the clutch pedal with your foot.

    Step 6 - Put the transmission in first or second gear.

    Step 7 - Release the hand brake and the foot brake.

    Step 8 - Note that the people pushing need to get the car rolling as fast as they can. This works best down a hill or an incline.

    Step 9 - Release the clutch pedal while giving the engine a little gas with the gas pedal once the car is moving about as fast as you can run. The engine should start.

    illig on
  • ErandusErandus Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    You could try starting fluid.

    EDIT: Also, listen to make sure your fuel pump is actually working. Open your gas cap and have someone put their ear to the nozzle. Turn your key to 'on'. Don't actually try to start the car, just turn it to the on position. There should be a brief (1-2 sec) whirring noise from the gas tank. If there's nothing, your fuel pump is not pumping.

    Erandus on
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  • ThylacineThylacine Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    I will third the jump thing, or just taking your battery to autozone or walmart and letting them charge it. For my car it only took 30 mins for them to charge the battery. It had been sitting out for about 1/2 a year and was doing exactly what yours was.

    Thylacine on
  • pacbowlpacbowl Los AngelesRegistered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Thanatos wrote: »
    Failing a jump start, is it worth trying a push start?

    If the engine is turning over but not starting, I don't think a push start wont work any better. Push starting it is doing the same thing as the electrical starter, just manually and with more legwork.

    I would try some starter fluid (I'm assuming it's fuel injection and not carbureted). Failing that it might not be getting any spark. Pull off one of the spark plug wires and stick a screwdriver in it. Hold it near a ground point and have someone crank the engine. You should see a small spark jump off the screwdriver. That will tell you if your electronic ignition is at least working.

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  • SatsumomoSatsumomo Rated PG! Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    I started a 1984 VW Rabbit (Golf) that had been sitting for 6+ months.

    All I did was put in a new battery, jumped in and turned the ignition. Tried about 4 times with the engine turning over, than I started pumping the gas lightly in a quick motion, and vroooom! Then again, this is a carburated engine!

    Check the fuel pump/filter, does it have fuel in it? (They're usually transparent, you'll see the red fuel on it, then again I don't know if all cars use fuel pumps?) If it still doesn't go, I would think about injectors or spark plugs, but those shouldn't have any problems with only 3-4 weeks of no use.

    I'm pretty inclined to it just being battery troubles.

    Satsumomo on
  • a penguina penguin Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    pacbowl wrote: »
    Thanatos wrote: »
    Failing a jump start, is it worth trying a push start?

    If the engine is turning over but not starting, I don't think a push start wont work any better. Push starting it is doing the same thing as the electrical starter, just manually and with more legwork.

    I would try some starter fluid (I'm assuming it's fuel injection and not carbureted). Failing that it might not be getting any spark. Pull off one of the spark plug wires and stick a screwdriver in it. Hold it near a ground point and have someone crank the engine. You should see a small spark jump off the screwdriver. That will tell you if your electronic ignition is at least working.

    I agree with this fine gentleman.

    This is the way you check for spark. I will now insert a reminder that if you are doing this, and wear leather gloves for added protection against shocking the shit out of yourself, first ensure that said leather gloves are not damp. On the plus side, you gain a special kind of insight into your vehicle's timing.

    a penguin on
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  • ThanatosThanatos Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    What is starter fluid, and what do I do with it?

    Thanatos on
  • pacbowlpacbowl Los AngelesRegistered User regular
    edited May 2009
    You can get it at pretty much any auto store and it comes in a can like spray paint or wd-40. Take off your air filter and spray some in the air intake manifold, then try to start the car. If it starts, then dies right away, you have a fuel problem. Could be anything from the fuel pump to the injectors. If it doesn't start at all then it's most likely an electrical problem.

    pacbowl on
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  • ErandusErandus Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    It's a mix of hydrocarbons like butane and propane with ether. It produces some fumes that your car can ignite just like gasoline, but much, much more efficiently. It is roughly like automobile cocaine.

    You can ask the people at the auto store if they can give you some advice on using it in your specific car, or in a fuel injected car in general.

    Erandus on
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  • a penguina penguin Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    Thanatos wrote: »
    What is starter fluid, and what do I do with it?

    To expound on what others are saying, as the name implies it's extremely flammable. Be careful with it.

    I would do the battery stuff first, and toss some new gas into the tank before I started spraying starter fluid into the intake.

    Here ya go: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starter_fluid

    a penguin on
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  • Dark_SideDark_Side Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    I doubt you will need anything but a jump, I wouldn't waste time with starter fluid, especially since your car is fuel injected. Starter fluid is meant for dumping straight into a carburetor. Just buy one of these charge it and you should be set. When batteries sit for a long time, they'll lose charge, especially if it's an older battery.

    The only other thing I might check is your fuel filter getting clogged, which can happen sometimes when engines sit.

    Portable Jump Starter

    Dark_Side on
  • THEPAIN73THEPAIN73 Shiny. Real shiny.Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    It could be a main relay or just needs new gas.

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  • thisisntwallythisisntwally Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    As someone who has let fleets of cars sit around losing battery charge, I'm going to chime in and say this sounds exactly like dying battery. After you jump it and it starts (you may need to let it charge a few minutes if the battery is indeed dying), if you find it won't start again a few days/hours later you may need a new battery. I've only had to replace the battery after several such incidents, or a long winter.

    Good luck.

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  • ShogunShogun Hair long; money long; me and broke wizards we don't get along Registered User regular
    edited May 2009
    3 or 4 weeks really is not that bad. I would try push starting it to see if the battery holds a a charge from the alternator. It is probably just weak and needs to run a bit.

    Shogun on
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