2003 Kia Spectra cranks slowly and won't start when engine hot.

40

Asked by Doug Apr 13, 2012 at 10:18 PM about the 2003 Kia Spectra Base

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Things replaced/checked: Battery, alternator, starter, timing belt, thermostat, coolant temp switch. Starts normally once the engine is cool or barely warm. If the engine is hot from running in traffic, it will only start if the hood's been up for 30 minutes or more.

1 Answer
80

Andrei answered 12 years ago

Your engine has Oil jets that spray on the cylinders. these are not working most likely sluge in the jets. Your pistons get too hot with lack of oil and expand inside the cylinders so this is going to be very expensive to fix and the damage done so far is most likely really bad. Try a engine sluge flush mix but do not drive the car just rev for a few minutes then drain and put oil back in. This may not help as the sluge from other places in the engine will get loose and may clog other stuff. By now your piston rings and pistons are so burnt up you most likely have lower than recommended compression.

2 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • 2003 Kia Spectra cranks slowly and won't start when engine hot. 1 Answer

    Things replaced/checked: Battery, alternator, starter, timing belt, thermostat, coolant temp switch. Starts normally once the engine is cool or barely warm. If the engine is hot from running in traffi...

    2003 Kia Spectra Base

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • My car makes no sound when I try to start it and it won't start it's a 2002 Kia spectra 3 Answers

    When I try to start my 2002 Kia spectra it don't make a sound or start

    2002 Kia Spectra

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • AC system to my 2003 Kia Spectra 4 Answers

    Hope I picked the right trim. I know it is a 2003, 4 door, regular sedan looking car. Today my kia spectra decided to start blowing hot air when I turned on the ac. Does anyone know where I can chec...

    2003 Kia Spectra LS

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2003 kia spectra automatic 2 Answers

    Was driven going 30mp and outa nowere it stop going when i steped on the gas.? No noise . it turns on shifts into gears when i do it .theres a noise sounds under the driver side clicking when i shi...

    2003 Kia Spectra LS

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 2003 Kia Spectra clutch has no pressure 4 Answers

    I have an '03 Kia Spectra. She's been grounded for a month or so because of paperwork issues and a lot of needed basic maintenance. I tried to start her up to take her to the mechanic, but met with ...

    2003 Kia Spectra Base

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Shortcuts

Search Kia Spectra Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Colabare
    Reputation
    970
  • #2
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    710
  • #3
    Tony_2015
    Reputation
    660
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Camry
47 Great Deals out of 1,118 listings starting at $2,500
Used Kia Sportage
73 Great Deals out of 1,888 listings starting at $5,499
Used Mazda MAZDA3
74 Great Deals out of 1,308 listings starting at $3,499
Used Toyota Tacoma
43 Great Deals out of 741 listings starting at $9,975
Used Kia Optima
10 Great Deals out of 250 listings starting at $4,700
Used Kia Sorento
73 Great Deals out of 1,820 listings starting at $3,888

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.