Engine cranks, but won't start
 

For starters, yes, I looked, but I wasn't able to find anything that matched my problem. Close, but always something just off enough about it.

So this morning I tried starting my car (2004 AT, ya I know) but wouldn't start. I was in a rush so I got another ride. When I came back, about 4 1/2 hours later, I tried agin. Still nothing. Tried doing the deflood procedure (sounded most like my issue), but hasn't worked.

Some other pieces of info:
-fuel pump was replaced 7k miles ago
-spark plugs, wires, etc replaced 10-12k miles ago
-slight smell of gas when I try starting it now

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

1) Confirm fuel
2) Confirm spark

If you have both of those:
3) Deflood

If you still can't start it:
4) Confirm compression


Chances are it's just flooded if you smell fuel from the tail pipes after cranking. But keep in mind that floods aren't random. If your engine is flooded, it means something failed. Battery, starter, coils, plugs, wires, grounding points, e-shaft sensor, etc...

When my car got flooded then sat for a while, it fouled up the plugs so bad i had to get new plugs. Just letting you know its possible that happened

update?

Took off the intake and used some starter fluid to see if it was the spark plugs/ignition system. Was able to get to engine to fire up so long as the starter fluid was being sprayed. Died as soon as it stopped. So it looks like it's a problem with the fuel delivery system. About a month before this problem came up, the engine died for about 10-15 minutes. Didn't overheat, plenty of oil, etc. I found another thread of someone saying that happened to them. They said that their mechanic said it was the fuel pump that caused that, so that's what I'm thinking.

I haven't gotten a chance to take care of it yet, though. Update in about 2 weeks as I've been out of town.

eeek I would take it easy with the starter fluid (ether likely?)

Anyway, I'm curious on the method you used to spray the ether in to the intake.

Example? You sprayed the starter fluid pre or post maf?

The Maf was unplugged?

I used Armor All's starter fluid, so whatever that is. I worked at a garage for Mazdas and we'd use it all the time if we were having issues.

I have the AEM CAI, so I popped that off and sprayed some past the throttle body. Sounded like a WWII engine starting up, but then died without any of the starter fluid.

Oh and the fuel smell coming from the exhaust turned out to be from my friend's sand rail that he parks behind me (tandem garage). Turns out he spilled some gas somehow and forgot to tell me.

just bought a 07 mazda rx8 at an auction it cranks but wont start on windshield said it overheats what can I do to see if I can get it started

Hi. Overheating is a very bad sign on an RX8.
It could mean that the engine is already bad. You might try a search ;" Rx8Club, engine overheating" for more details.
Good luck.

Scrape off "engine over heats " see if it starts then. But seriously, pull the plugs and drop the oil to see if it full of water.