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

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.

Your Answer:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2003 Kia Spectra

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Colabare
    Reputation
    990
  • #2
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    710
  • #3
    Tony_2015
    Reputation
    670
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Toyota Corolla
1,553 Great Deals out of 28,567 listings starting at $1,900
Used Ford Focus
311 Great Deals out of 5,965 listings starting at $450
Used Honda Civic
1,427 Great Deals out of 28,777 listings starting at $995

Used Cars for Sale

2009 Kia Spectra For Sale
37 listings starting at $2,998
2008 Kia Spectra For Sale
30 listings starting at $3,299
2006 Kia Spectra For Sale
23 listings starting at $3,500
2005 Kia Spectra For Sale
7 listings starting at $2,995

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.