So I changed my headgasket, my car was previously running fine, just bubbling @ the radiator and overheating on long drives... So anyways, get the job done, my car started for about a minute, and shut off, so I try to start it again and now my car won't start...

I checked my timing and it seemed it was about 4-5 teeth off from TDC..!! I could have swore I put it back on with timing checked and double checked but apparently not... So I fixed that, and now my car just cranks and won't turn over.. I have spark, I have fuel, and everythings plugged in right.. Also I have no CEL's, just a car that doesn't want to turn over... I thought maybe I bent some valves, but wouldn't it still @ least turn over..??

So yeah, can I get some insight on things I may have skipped..?? I'm just brainfarting right now since this is day 3 of a simple headgasket job... wtf, fml, smh, ijs..!!

 

Have you checked the wires and the proper firing order?

 

check your ignition timing

 

Timing is perfect now.. And yeah I #'d the wires, so I know what goes where...

Still no start =(

 

maybe you need to do a compression test because getting 4 or 5 teeth off could have belt valves. goodluck

 

That's what I thought, but even with bent valves wouldn't it still start... From what I've read, timing can be up to 90 degrees off and not bend valves or cause damage, and 4-5 teeth would only be like 30-45 degrees..??

 

Check for spark and fuel...

 

Check the compression and report back

 

To clarify, the motor is not even turning over, correct?

If so, it sounds like you bent valves.

 

Am doing that today.. thanks..

I have fuel, I'm checking for spark today...

it cranks, just doesn't turn over...

thanks guys...

 

Ok. To me, it sounds like either the timing is off, or the spark timing is messed up. But if the plug wires are on right, and your getting spark, and the timing is set right, I would say you bent some valves enough that you have no compression

 

Try turning it over by hand with a big ratchet. Also a cylinder leakage test would probably tell you more then compression. If you have a significant loss ie more then 15 to 20% see where it is going (intake exhaust or blow by). Also double check that you didn't have a loose vaccum line or wire that came disconected when you first ran it.

 

Take off your timing belt, set your block and head to TDC, put the belt back on. Mine did the same thing and the timing belt was off a couple of teeth.

 

quit avoiding the compression test it is critical to tell u in what direction to go. go borrow one from a friend or rent one from autozone and take it back for your money back. make sure all your timing is at TDC.

 

like everyone said do the compression test and see what the results are like if they come back well double check mechanical timing then check for spark and fuel. Also check for any major vaccum leaks if you messed up your lines or something is missing it will have a hard time starting

 

No leaks anywhere, checked spark and it was fine, fuel is fine, and timing is set right where it needs to be, still no start... Off to Vato Zone to rent a compression tester I guess... I talked to a mechanic from Honda yesterday and he said even with bent valves it should still start, so we'll see if he was right or wrong...

 

Plugs fire at TDC. When your piston comes up to compress the mixture, it forces it out of the chamber, so there is little to nothing to ignite if your valves are bent.

 

that's what i said... but he insisted that chances of bending all valves with timing only off 4-5 teeth was very slim, I'm still gonna do a compression test anyways... I'd do a leakdown but I have no compressor...

 

I bent every exhaust valve in my jetta... it can happen i guess.

 

Damn that suxx... Also, about the leakdown test, aren't they usually only supposed to be done on a car once it's warmed up..?? That's impossible for me since mine doesn't start..

Also, I mentioned this in another post... Sometimes on warm days (and more recurring than not lately) when I turn the key to the "on" position my CEL will stay solid and fuel pump will not prime for a good amount of time... Sometimes if i click the key "off" "on" "off" "on" it will go, but there's been days I have sat for 20 minutes and it finally turned on... Think this could play a role @ all..?? I mean once it clicks on and the CEL goes off the car would always start fine before, just throwing that out there as well...

 

you can do it on a cold car it just wont be as accurate and will read a bit lower results
check ur main relay and fuses srs,ecu,backup

 

fuses are all ok, but now I don't have any spark...!! pulled out cyl # 1 plug and that thing is BLACK, smells rich as fuhhh... I plugged it into the wire and touched it to a valve cover bolt while cranking and there was no spark @ all.. So did accidentally running with the timing off for that short few minutes flood my plugs possibly..?? I'm not throwing any cel's with the key in the acc position so I don't think my dizzy is shot because last dizzy I went through had a cel with key in on position.. I haven't gotten around to compression test yet just because time and money but I'm wondering if this could just be a spark issue...

 

I am wondering if your coil is bad?

 

wouldn't be the first one that i've had go bad... =(