I just got done doing a mini me swap on my buddies 95 civic. Its a ZC block with a Z6 head. I have fuel, spark and its timed correctly. But for some reason the starter just keeps spinning and motor won't turn over. I think the valves might not be closing but I don't want to tear it back apart yet until I hear what others have to say.

 

Anyone have any ideas?

 

Check and set valve lash if needed
Re check mechanical timing
Double check firing order

 

You need fuel spark and compression, if you think compression is a problem, "I think the valves might not be closing" do a compression test.

Also your post is confusing, you said, "the starter just keeps spinning and motor won't turn over" please clarify.

Your statement indicates the starter motor is working, "starter just keeps spinning" but you say, "motor won't turn over", that sounds like the starter motor is not engaging, not cranking the engine, cranking and turning over are the same thing.

Or did you mean starter works, engine cranks, [turns over] but will not "fire", [start]?

I am assuming you mean the latter, engine cranks but will not start. 94

 

Sorry for the confusion. The engine cranks but it won't fire!

Also how do I check and set the valve lash?

 

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/tech-article-valve-lash-adjustment-1305086/

I'd double check the mechanical timing before setting the lash personally.

How did you set the cam? Level with head or at 7 o clock?

 

A compression test will tell you if it is a possible valve issue, valve lash "too tight".

If there is no compression pull the VC and adjust the valve lash, if lash is good do a leak down test to see where the leak is, if on the other hand compression is good, recheck both valve and ign. timing. 94

 

Did u check if ur distributor is timed? Spark plugs backwards?

 

What do you mean spark plugs backwards? You meaning incorrect firing order? And the distributor won't go in if its but one way?

 

I can't find the the link I used. But it said to set the cam and crank at TDC, then loosen the timing belt tensioner, now rotate the crank 5-6 times clockwise this will set the time, now rotate the crank pulley counterclockwise 3 times, finally tighten the tensioner and it will be set. I found the same thing in a few different threads but it still didn't work!

 

My buddy said since its a ZC I need to take the ZC cam gear off the stock head and put it on the Z6 head. But I don't see how that would fix anything?

 

Compression/ignition timing/spray stArter fluid in and see if it starts.

 

Yea make sure plug wires in correct firing order. And distributor goes in one way but the coil inside the distributor needs to pointed to number 1 plug wire. So set piston 1 at tdc and make sure cams are tdc and set ur distributor to number plug wire plug, unscrew distributor cap and check. If its not pointed to the correct tdc firing order then unbolt it and simply turn it by hand. Hope that helps

Let me if that was it

 

Didnt know u could turn a import motor clockwise only counter clockwise, thought that would cause the piston and valve to hit each other if turnin crank clockwise

 

If that's how you actually did it you're doing it wrong. The engine rotates counter clockwise. Nowhere in the process do you rotate the engine clockwise to set the timing. Download a FSM for a 92-95 Civic and follow the proceedure for setting mechanical timing for a Z6

.

Don't listen to your buddy.

 

A helms manual is like $20-$25 dollars at ur local parts store a lil pricey for a book but well worth it in the end. Get one and it'll tell everything on timing and other stuff... Etc

 

 

There are FREE downloads of the FSM on the web.

 

Guess I'm not following you on the FSM?

 

Factory Service Manual