Car will not start

1989 OPEL KADETT
500,000 MILES
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JASON LINTNAAR
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My brother got the car listed above 1.3 liter, carburetor engine. The car is at the mechanic now for almost two weeks. the car will not start still. Stan it must permi be tow. the motor turns when you start but will not run. there is spark and fire and fuel, but will not start. the motor is already been done over. Also when it been tow it drives the coil has been change and the distributor the last distributor that WS in the wires in the distributor made my brother stuck. so he buy a new one and that one had too much play in so we charge the one distributor wire and put in and one and still does no start.
Feb 5, 2019 at 6:23 AM
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SCGRANTURISMO
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

Have you guys done a compression test on the car? Here are a couple of links that explain how to do it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/the-reasons-for-low-compression
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-low-compression
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Thanks,
Alex,
2CarPros
Feb 5, 2019 at 8:04 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 110,175 POSTS
Hi Jason and thanks for using 2CarPros.

First, I need to explain that this vehicle isn't offered in the US, so I don't have specific technical information. However, I will do my best to help.

You need to understand this. If there is fuel and spark, the engine has no choice but to run unless there is a timing issue or low engine compression. With that in mind, I suggest that you confirm timing is correct. If you replaced the distributor, make sure it is properly installed and ignition wires are routed correctly to each cylinder.

If they are and timing is correct, confirm engine compression. I will provide a couple links that discuss this process (compression testing) as well as a link that discusses a crank no start condition.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
Feb 5, 2019 at 8:07 PM
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