So my buddy did a head gasket swap on his 94 civic coupe d16z6 automatic. And now it won't start I went by to check it out it cranks strong but doesn't even try to start timing belt marks are right on all 4 wires are giving off spark and the fuel pump is turning on, the only thing I did notice was that the check engine light does not come on AT ALL which I figure is a source to the problem if I could find how it ties in. The main relay clicks and engages the pump so I figure thats pretty much ruled out and I swapped the p28 with a p06 and nothing changed all fuses are good and getting power. Any help is appreciated

 

Are the spark plug wires installed in the correct firing order on the cap?

Is spark bright white?

Do the injectors spray fuel when you crank the engine?

Have you compression tested the cylinders?

CEL - Does the low oil pressure light work?

 

make sure firing order is correct and also check timing again just to rule that out

 

All wires are in the correct spot, double checked the timing, inj are throwing in fuel all lights are working on the cluster except for the cel. Have not done a compression test but would compression be a factor in the car not starting after a head gasket swap??

 

Is the CEL bulb blown or removed?

Definitely. The cylinders would have low or no compression without proper sealing by the head gasket.

 

no he said the CEL used to work fine before thats what was really throwing me off because ive seen no starts with no CEL at all and it was either main relay or t-stat ground. but yeah i offered to do a compression test when he gets off work ill keep you guys updated thank you

 

Haven't you checked whether the CEL bulb is just blown?