Hey! I recently finished my mini me swap with a d16a6 block and z6 head. Hooked it all up and double checked all the wiring, tubing, etc. but wont start. Starter turns the cam, so I know thats good. Starter just runs however when I try to start it. Engine is getting fuel and air(double checked the intake manifold, injectors). Thinking it may be a timing issue. Engine begins "thumping" while trying to start. Please let me know any ideas!

 

How's mechanical timing? How's ignition timing? If you think there's a timing issue, why haven't you checked it already?

 

as for ignition I haven't yet. Just have the dizzy set in the middle. Was going to get that on once it was running and could test it. I guess my question was more how do you set the timing on this. We thought we had both the black and head set TDC, but it may have been the wrong one. Any heads up there?

 

It doesn't matter if you bolt it down with both at TDC. When you install the timing belt, you should always verify that both are still in sync with each other. My honest guess is that you are off a tooth. Set the crank to TDC and look to see if the cam gear is at TDC (if the UP mark isn't right side up, cycle the crank one revolution). If it's off, adjust accordingly.

 

sweet thanks a bunch! I will do that and let ya know

 

also make sure the rotor in your dizzy is pointing to cyl.#1 after you have set the motor at tdc.

 

ok so i found out how to time it, and got it dead on with the timing marks so thats a plus. Started it up, but its gnarly. Thing feels like a freight train and almost sounds like one to... Afraid to test it out n rev it up. Tried a couple different settings with the dizzy, all the same results. Any ideas from any of you mini-me swappers?

 

checking that now...

 

What cam gear are you using? Have you tried a compression test yet?

 

cam gear? I believe just the stock one on the z6 head. And no I have not yet. Also kind of squeals on startup, like a belt, butI checked clearence and tension and it appeared good...
I have not done a comp. test. Exactly how would you do that on this engine?

 

Ok next question then, which timing marks are you using on that gear?

Compression test - pull plugs, disconnect distributor, install gauge in a spark plug hole (can only do one at a time unless you've got 4 compression testers), hold throttle open, crank and watch gauge for readings.

 

theres 3 on there. the 2 opposite each other line up parallel to the head. The the third points down at a mark on the plastic cover(http://www.crxsi.com/repair/timing.belt/cam_mark.htm). The crank then is aligned with the far right mark lined up with the "sight" on the timing belt cover.

as for the comp test, i dont have a tester. gonna go get one tomorrow or see if a friend has one. Thanks for your help though btw

 

 

new info: the cam may have actually slipped which would indicate why the timing was off. Would that be the case judging from this pic?

 

If my memory serves me correctly, the key way on the camshaft should be facing up (towards the word "UP"). If I'm right then you are waaaaaaay off like almost 180* off. Someone else confirm?

EDIT: Added picture from my stash



It's a bit blurry but you can see the key way on the camshaft is at the top with the timing marks indicating TDC. Yours is downward. Hard to say how much damage was done, possible bent valves.

 

yup that is correct. I just saw it in another pic as well. Went down the napa and picked up a new key. Valves appear ok so it must have not been to far off. Going to install this and we shall see...

 

If I may, can I suggest something? Remove the camshaft completely before rotating anything back to TDC and then reinstall camshaft at TDC. This way will eliminate any possibility of bending any valves (crossing my fingers none have been bent already).

 

Glad you got it started!

 

Ok, so got it re-timed, and tried to start it up. Is super bogged though and takes a couple times to get it going. When it does finally go, only cranks up to 3500 rpms then dies. Also when converted to OBD1 on dizzy, one loose wire that doesnt seem to make any difference when connected or not... When timing is advanced, idle goes to 2000. When retarded, engine dies. Also heres a video to explain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb0QUbgxJZY&feature=plcp

 

ok so it looks like the whole frickin cam gear is busted. Pulled the head off and valves are good etc. But i cant get the old gear off... the tooth on it broke and the whole thing has rotated. tried a gear-puller, drill bit, and hammer. Any more ideas? Dont wanna dump the head over something stupid like this

 

yikes, so the whole gear is busted and half of it wont even come off the cam shaft. Would it be a good idea to go for a whole new camshaft in such case?

 

so I ran a compression test...and my results are 0 PSI all the way around. Which would explain alot, lol. So in that regard, what are we looking for as possibilities? Piston rings? Valve sealing? I'm pretty sure the head gasket and other gaskets are good, as they are brand new, but I will check for leaks. Please let me know!

 

Did you do this compression test with a new cam gear and everything in sync with each other?

 

 

ya that was with everything in sync. Haha thanks for pointing that out, lol. I actually looked into it and found another thread with a guy with an identical problem(see: https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/getting-no-compression-mini-me-2540590/). So I'm 89% sure its valves. Gonna check into it. Thanks for all your help guys!