by T. Scott Randolph

Created on: October 13, 2010

It has happened to most people, they get into their car to go to work, turn the key and the engine turns over just like every other day. How is this a different day? That is where the automotive process ends. The engine never actually starts. It just keeps turningg over without starting.

Before we discuss what is wrong, let's take a quick look at what is right. If the engine is turning over then the starter is working. The starter is the piece of machinery that gets the entire process working. It replaced the hand crank that was on cars back in the early 1900s. If the starter turns the motor then you are getting electrical power, at least as far as the starter.

The problem could be in the spark plugs. Usually if just one of the spark plugs is not producing the spark needed, the engine would still start. It may run rough, but will still start. If none of the spark plugs are producing a spark (or firing) then this could be the culprit. Depending on the engine size, there still has to be a reason why 4, 6, or 8 spark plugs are not firing.

The year of the vehicle will come into play at this point. If it is an older model, you will have a distributor. This will cause the electric current to travel to the spark plugs in the correct order. If it is bad, no spark is produced. If it is a newer car, you will be dealing with some sort of electronic ignition system, but the principle remains the same.

Another problem that would have to do with the spark plugs not working the way they are suppose to is the timing. Car engines have either a timing belt or chain that makes sure that all of the systems work together. If the timing is off, the spark plug will fire at the wrong time. This means that the fuel is not being ignited, thus the engine doesn't start. Fixing an engine that is out of time (or jumped time) can be a very tricky situation. Unless you have automotive experience, this is a job you may want to leave to an auto repair shop.

If we move on to another possible cause, since we have checked and made sure that the spark plugs are firing when they are suppose to. There needs to be gasoline vapor available to ignite. This "controlled" explosion in each chamber is the back bone of how the internal combustion engine works. Without the fuel, the cycle is broken. What can cause you to not have fuel in the cylinder?

Always start with the most simple solution. Do you have gas in the car? As strange as this may sound, it is the most common reason that an engine will turn

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