Nissan Repair: 1985 nissan maxima, nissan maxima, metal surfaces

Question
what does grounding has to do with the car turning over ,but not starting also I've been told that a drop valve or two maybe the problem too

Answer
Hi Henry -

It is possible that if one of the wires in the distributor or coils is grounded, the car will not start, however highly unlikely. Cars will not start for 2 reasons, no fuel, or no spark. Determining which one it is wouyld be the first step and make things a lot easier.

Pull out a spark plug boot and insert a screwdriver until it wedges against the metal terminal inside securely. Hold the shaft of the screwdriver 1/4" from any metal surface of the engine while someone tries to start the car. there should be a spark jumping between the 2 metal surfaces. If there is, then nothing is grounded, and it cannot be electrical, so i would check the fuel pump or power to it. If there is no spark, then it is probably the ignition module located in the distributor.

As for the valve, have the compression checked and that would tell you if you have a collapsed valve.

Ho did it come to be that the car is not starting? That would help the diagnosis.

Hope this helpa -
aloha
calvin