Hyundai Repair: Wont Start, fuel pressure gauge, camshaft timing


Question
My car was running fine this morning. Later that day I attempted to start the car and it would crank. It turned over but that's it. Do you have any idea what i could be? Some guy said it was the fuel pump. How do I check to see if that's it?

Answer
It's possible it's the fuel pump.  You could determine whether the fuel pump is running by attaching a fuel pressure gauge.  The fact that you've asked this question, however, suggests that you don't have a fuel pressure gauge.  

I'd recommend starting with the things that are simpler to check.  Your check engine lamp should illuminate when you turn the key to the "on" position.  Does it?  

You should have spark at the spark plugs when you crank the engine.  You can test for this by unplugging one of the wires from a spark plug and installing another spark plug in the end.  Then, lay the plug on a bare metal part of the engine away from the fuel rail.  When you crank the engine, it should spark.  Does it?

If you can remove the upper timing cover and have a 22mm socket, an extension, and a ratchet, you can check the camshaft timing to see whether it's correct.  Is it?

The above items (along with a fuel pressure check) should narrow your search to the system that's having the problem.  

If you let me know the year and model of your car, along with the engine size and mileage, I may be able to hazard some guesses as to what may be most likely to be the issue.