Went to start my 96 Accord LX 2.2 (F22A1) automatic and right when it fired off, it felt as something let loose and then died. Now while cranking it, it seems like there isnt any compression. My guess is a timing belt because its got 135K on the stock belt. Its doesnt sound as if anything is banging/colliding with each other so im not sure if the valves are bent...not sure how to check though. What do you all think could be wrong?

Thanks in advance...

 

The no nonsense way to check for a broken timing belt would be to remove the upper timing belt cover. You also have to remove/loosen the valve cover.

Or you could, take the oil fill cap off the valve cover and see if the cam is turning when you try and turn the engine over. If it doesn't turn then it's the timing belt or a broken camshaft/gear.

If you want to see if the valves might be bent. While you have the valve cover off you could adjust the valves to OEM specs. Then perform a leak down test.

Has the engine been swapped? Is it an OBD1 F22A1 (Swap) or a stock OBD2 F22B2?

 

Its the stock motor. Is it not an f22a1? through all my internet searches i thought it was an f22a1.

 

Could be, I guess it could very well depend on where you live. In the US & Canada the 94-97 Accords switched to the SOHC F22B1 VTEC & F22B2 non VTEC.

 

So, finally got time to tear into it...here is what i found:

timing belt was not broke, but still wouldnt start. compression test showed #35 in 1, #80 in 2, #70 in 3, and #105 in 4. got everything back together. tried to start it and it sounded like it wanted to...then it would start for a second and die...then start for 2 seconds and die...then start for three seconds and stumbled and finally stayed alive. now it runs like it normally has. i drove it for about 15 miles and didnt have any issues.

here's my theory...maybe bad gas/clogged fuel line? i only had 65 miles on a new tank.
Also, when it started there seemed to be a bit of water/white smoke from the exhaust. it cleared up for the most part and didnt seem to be excessive. it is a little cold here.

Do you think it could be a head gasket issue? not sure the stumbling engine would be caused by a head gasket, but low compression and white smoke would indicate so. Also, if i blew a head gasket, could it affect 1,2,and 3 cylinders like i described above? i dont have to much experience with blown head gaskets. So, what all do you think?

 

That 35psi in your no 1 cylinder could be due to a blown head gasket. Should do a leak down test on all 4 cylinders and see what the results are. Once you find out where the leak is it might be easier to verify the problem.

 

so the low compresion is due to my compression gauge going bad...my compression is good. Im doing the timing belt anyways because its overdue.