Problematic starting when attempting to start , it cranks but doesn't start and sounds as if has no compression. whats wrong with it

How long since a tune-up? Any applicable trouble codes?
If it cranks good but won't start, check fuel--spark and cylinder compression.
You may need to check valve timing?

Sounds like a timing chain problem, you could check compression but I think your going to have to take it to a shop regardless. Make sure that the engine is turning over and it's just not the starter spinning that your hearing.

You need to have spark an fuel an compression for a engine to start an run. You'll have to find out what is missing an then find out why ! Fixing Car That Cranks But Doesn Start Up

So it sounds like to might need to check to see if it's getting fuel. You might need a fuel pump .

what engine, see list at end. 2.2L 2.7L or 3.0L?
never post no starts, with no engine stated, all below is GENERIC HONDA.
you are guessing why guess?
how did yo prove its not the battery.?? jumper cables starts?
how? never tell the mech, that, let him find the truth.
if you tell him wrong, he may spend a fortune proving you wrong.
(not me but can) see why? (labor and wrong parts replaced)
is this a no crank >? or a no start, why start at step 3.
or even not tell step 1 &2 ? was done.....

all use old folks , have hand cranked old tin lizzys.
and owned 50 motorcycles all FOOT KICK started.
so if it dont crank robustly it will never start is not lost on the old crowd.

1. checked all fuses yet? CEL lamp glows in dash KEY ON??????
2. cranks fast?
3. got spark?
4. ever done the 60k miles tune up, and is the CAM belt fresh.

if the cam belt snaps, the whole engine can be lost.
i do leak down tests on all hondas. for good reason.
and 100x time that for Honda's NEVER SERVICED !!!
i can even hear you crank it, and see its lost compression just buy the sound of the starter, (sounds like sewing machine running, no load)

if compression is good and spark is good, and not flooding
you can use test fuel, to prove engine and spark is good.
but id not, if that cam belt is not fresh.
you never posted engine type ,size or cyl count so can be accurate here.
my 1st rule on honda's (all interference engines)
is: RULE1: First do no harm.
and cranking it like mad, is just that.


see belt change intervals. USA miles.
did you replace it? ever?
Honda belts, fleabay $10 belts will never last this long, ever....!!!!!
EngineInterferenceReplace belt rules. (repeats for life of engine)
1.2(EB)YesN/A
1.3(D13)Yes60,000
1.5(D15)Yes60,000
1.6(D16)Yes90,000
1.8(r18)Yes60,000
2.0 (SOHC)Yes90,000
2.0 (DOHC) (K20)Yes90,000
2.1Yes90,000
2.2 (SOHC)(F22B)Yes90,000
2.2 (DOHC)(F22C)Yes90,000
2.2 (DOHC Passport)(J32)Yes75,000
2.3(F23/H23)Yes90,000
2.64ZE1Yes75,000
2.7(C27)Yes90,000
3.0(J30)Yes105,000
3.2(J32)Yes75,000
3.5(J35)Yes90,000
Buy Gates belts or Honda real.

OK: ILL pretend engine compression is good
cranks fast
spark is bad. (on all cyl)
connect (in USA) the scan tool and crank for 5 seconds
id bet the ECU just told you (by RPM=0 , or DTC why it dont start)

Have you checked fuel pressure, spark at the plugs, and do you have normal engine compression ?

Have you checked cam timing?If it has jumped a tooth or two it will not start.

Pull out a spark plug put it on the end of the wire and see if you have spark when someone cranks the engine over. If you have spark then try spraying a little starter fluid in the throttle body while cranking it over, does it try to start? If it does fuel pump may be bad. If it doesn't, possible timing belt, timing chain, problem. In other words if you have fuel and spark, then it should start, unless something is wrong with compression. Timing off will cause low compression. Another thing if while cranking engine over the starting fluid is pushed back at you by the engine, it is almost a sure sign of the timing being off. Please rate my answer so I am rewarded points for it.

do a compression check on the engine. that will give you some idea on what is wrong if anything with the enine its self.

Try to reset fuel pump switch, and check for cloged fuel filter!