Cranks,no start?

2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
167,037 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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WEITCHPECER1
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The car was running I shut it off, next day I tried to start it, cranks but won't start, sounds like it wants to then when I try again it don't even try to want to start,it's getting fuel and spark, has compression, it did sit for a couple years without getting started. I don't know if it matters or not but it's a SS.
Sep 30, 2025 at 4:53 PM
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CANNON1349
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Hello, if the vehicle has proper fuel pressure, proper spark, and proper compression, then the last thing to check would be the valve timing. However for our purposes, we will need to ensure that there in fact is fuel pressure, spark, and compression. There should be a Schrader valve at the fuel rail. With the ignition on, take a screwdriver or something equally as small to depress the valve with a rag over it to confirm there is fuel shooting out of it under pressure. If the fuel does not shoot out, it is not pressurized and we can pursue a fuel delivery related issue. As for spark you can pull a wire and while cranking the engine verify that spark is indeed occurring, or even better install an in-line spark tester to watch more safely. Compression confirmation will require a compression testing gauge if you have one. Please check these things and report back to us.

William
Sep 30, 2025 at 6:27 PM
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STRAILER
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If is has fuel park and compression it should start, what is the compression reading can I ask? Here is a video that can help

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXLJbuAZ4CE&t

Please upload an image or short videos in your response of the problem, so we can see what's going on.

Oct 2, 2025 at 8:51 AM
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