7 replies to this topic

[Im Here Ftw]

After changing the head gasket on my Wagon my car will crank but will not fire up. I've tried changing the cam position sensor with no luck.

Any ideas? I am getting fuel.

[Gilhuly]

Usually an electrical connection is left undone or a major league vacuum leak. Check for spark, fuel pressure, pulse at the injectors

[Im Here Ftw]

Spark.....Check. Fuel.......Check. Could it be a timing issue. When you let the car sit for a while then try it will make a little exhaust noise then cut off again.

[Ihatespeedbumps]

You sure the cam pickup and the rotor were re-installed properly?

[prasamin]

Aaron and I had an issue like this in my car....I had installed the plate under the distributor backwards, and that was throwing the timing off by 180 degrees...the guide tab on that plate was worn down flat after cranking. luckily aaron had another one laying around...we installed it in the correct orientation and the car almost fired up...but then we ran into the issue with the flywheel pos sensor not being seated properly

[Im Here Ftw]

prasamin, on 26 January 2012 - 08:16 AM, said:

Aaron and I had an issue like this in my car....I had installed the plate under the distributor backwards, and that was throwing the timing off by 180 degrees...the guide tab on that plate was worn down flat after cranking. luckily aaron had another one laying around...we installed it in the correct orientation and the car almost fired up...but then we ran into the issue with the flywheel pos sensor not being seated properly

Very interesting I will check this out. I still have yet to get it started. I am getting spark and fuel. Pressure test shows about 40-50 psi on all 5 cylnders. If the head is still holding that kind of pressure would that eliminate a bent valve(s) as a problem? I've tried putting oil in the cylinders as well with no success. Thanks guys

[Rod'sT-5]

40-50 PSI is way to low, could be due to cylinders washed down with fuel or possibly incorrect cam timing. Did you recheck compression after oiling, or just try to start engine?

Try pulling the spark plugs and lightly oil the cylinders again. While #1 plug is out, turn engine over by hand while checking for pressure (compression). When you feel it pushing air, bring the piston up to TDC and check that your rotor is pointing to #1 wire on the cap. If the rotor position is correct, recheck compression.

If compression is still low after oiling, verify cam timing.

[Bah]

Having just gone through this, make sure your cam timing is right. I didn't remove my cam gears as there is no reason( new seals can fit over the lobes.) So if u took the gears off ensure that everything is right. My next mistake wad I put the intake manifold on wrong. Woops. My case the car would start and die immediately. Could get started with foot to floor but would die immediately. Solution found with vacuum gauge. When u redid the belt, did u rotate a few times to make sure it was on good? Might have jumped a tooth or two. Next, they mentioned behind the distributor you can put it backwards. Idk how I didn't have that issue but behind the cam sensor its the same deal. It really only goes one way, u put it in wrong and it feels wrong and doesn't really want to stay in. If ur low compression is not from timing or a crappy gauge, why did u redo the headgasket is my next question