Questions and Answers

Geo Storm No Start Q. Hi, Vincent. I recently helped a friend swap engines and now we're at an impasse. The culprit is a 1992 Geo Storm, 1.6 liter, manual transmission, A/C, P/S. We retained all of the original accessories, belts, intake, exhaust, full wiring harness, and transmission. Upon initial start, the car acted like the battery was very low (whirring, but no engine turn). Jumping did not help.

Dropped in battery from another car, which we knew was in excellent condition, but same problem. Bypass test on starter indicated solenoid. Bench test on starter at auto store showed that it was fully functional, but low amp or? Anyway, new starter in place and it's the same thing: turn ignition, sounds like low/dying battery, but no engine turn.

Finally got the idea to push start. Well, since it was still on stands, I rotated the front tire with my hand while I was in this contemplative state. And another possible symptom was noticed. The front tires still turn while the car is in gear, which indicates something with the clutch and transmission.

When we transferred the transmission (flywheel, clutch, etc.) to the new block, could we have done something to cause this starting problem.

Thanks...

A. Maybe the engine has no compression? Broken timing belt? Missing flywheel bolts?