Hey, just did an engine swap. The car will turn over but will just backfire/putter out the exhaust and not start. I have poured fuel into the cylinders manually(individual throttle bodies) and it is still the same outcome. Maybe timing issue? any suggestions?

 

Check the mechanical timing.

 

check the distributor plugs to see if there in the right order.

 

Def sounds like a timing issue. Back-track the steps you should have taken before starting, triple check it all.

 

This is also an excellent idea. Definitely test this idea first. The cylinders are ordered 4-3-2-1 from the distributor to the timing belt. Here's how they plug into the distributor:

 

Sounds like an ignition timing problem. Check the spark plug order (should be 1-3-4-2) like someone suggested and also make sure the ignition timing is not too advanced.

 

checked the plug wires, they are correct... I also moved them around to simulate if the engine is 180 degrees out of timing. still no go. Checked the advancement of the distributor, still no go... just loud random pops coming out of the exhaust

 

Check the mechanical timing of the cam and crank.

 

but unless it was super far out(which is unlikely) it would still start, correct?

 

Even one tooth off on the timing belt can produce a no start.

 

does this sound like the symtoms of being one tooth off?

 

Yes, it's one possibility.

 

Mechanical timing is correct... Now what

 

It might be the ECU. Test it with another ECU.

 

it shouldn't be the ecu because it was running on the same aem ecu in the other car. But in case it was I plugged in a hondata s300 and 2 regular integra ecu's and still no go. So the aem seems to be ok

 

Was the number one cylinder at TDC when you checked the mechanical timing. You engine might of been slightly off causing you to mess up the timing. Also make sure you have the correct timing belt. Incorrect timing belt with an extra tooth could easily cause problems.

 

I know I'm late to this thread, but did you ever figure this out? I have the same situation. Car was running fine before, I changed the cam seal, cleaned up some things, and now backfires with no start situation.

 

Try not to bump an old thread! this was back in 2009 so your deff late

I bet you $5 you put the timing belt on wrong or you moved the mech timing when you removed the cam gears and timing belt.!