Gas flooded engine and now it won't start

I have a 97 Civic with a GSR engine swap. I tried a fried ECU that I bought from someone and the fuel pump kept priming and flooded my engine.

I changed the oil, replaced with new battery, replaced the spark plugs, replaced the ecu with a good one and let the engine air dry for a week now.

My compression was first reading about 125psi but it gets bumped when I add a teaspoon of oil in the spark plug holes to bump it to 170psi -210psi then drops.

I tried holding down the gas pedal and cranking it for about 7 -10 secs. Sounds like its kinda starting like popping but just won't ignite.

Can I revive this engine or would I have to rebuild and replace the piston rings?



Fuel pressure is good

 

Post dry versus wet compression numbers for all four cylinders.

Check for strong spark at all four spark plugs.

Check firing order of spark plug wires and injector clips.

Check the mechanical timing.

 

*Correction of actual numbers

Dry = 130psi
Wet = 210psi (all cylinders about the same)

Strong spark (physically checked for spark)
Firing order and injector clips in correct order
Mechanical timing spot on

 

Can you post the actual dry/wet compression numbers for each cylinder?

Were compression tests done with or without the fuel injectors disabled?

 

Sorry correction of actual numbers
Cylinder 1 = 130 (dry) 190 (wet)
Cylinder 2 = 130 (dry) 210 ( wet)
Cylinder 3 = 130 (dry) 190 ( wet)
Cylinder 4 = 130 (dry) 210 (wet)

I disabled the fuel injectors by removing the plugs to the injectors and the distributor


#1 Dry

#1 Wet

 

#4 Dry

#4 Wet

 

Compression looks okay.

Did you check for strong spark at all 4 plugs?

When you turn key to ON(II), does CEL stay on steady?

If you crank the engine for 30 seconds, are any CEL codes set?

Can you post pics of the cam and crank pulleys when the cams are set at TDC1?

Will engine start with starting fluid when the fuel injectors are unplugged?

Do the injectors spray fuel when you crank the engine?

 

Yes, I physically used the spark plugs as ground while cranking the engine and sparks are strong and the firing lines are straight with new sparl plugs

CEL stays on then goes away

No check engine lights even after leaving on for 30 secs or less

I already checked the timing and it's spot on including the cam pulley timing marks with the cams at top dead center

I sprayed with starting fluid and its the same whether fuel Injectors plugged in or not. Car just doesn't wanna ignite. Car vibrates with small puffs of smoke but wont ignite

Yes they spray, the injectors are spraying because my spark plugs are soaked with gas. Although I havent replaced the injectors yet nor did a physical testing of the spray patterns I do know that its working. Also I did a noid light test to see if the fuel injectors are firing from the plugs and they are.

My question, what if my timing is off by a tooth? What would cause it to jump a tooth? Remember, my car was running fine before the ecu swap. It was my daily

Also, should I advance or retard my timing a bit to help with the start up?

 

It's easy to post pictures of the cam and crank pulleys. If the engine is off by a tooth, the engine may not start.

Old or improperly tensioned belts can skip, especially if the engine is driven hard.

No. If the mechanical timing is off, fix it. Then adjust the ignition timing to spec with a timing gun.

 

Its not off.. my buddies and me double checked it already. That was the FIRST thing we did

I dont wanna take off the valve cover again and take pictures of the cam line up marks and crank pulley arrows just because you don't believe me.

I already cleaned the valve cover, put a new valve cover gasket and hondabond. Trust me when I say timing is spot on

Besides, belt was changed about a year ago with a new tensioner. Car ran fine until now

Yes I understand I will do timing with gun as soon as the engine starts but I replaced my distributor thinking it could have been an issue with the igniter or coil so Im asking would it be better to center the distrubtor and retard the timing a bit to help it start? Right now I have to guess where the distributor position was before.

 

Can't help you if you refuse verification of the mechanical timing. Can't move forward without basic diagnostic information.

 

I don't need to take pictures and show to you to verify my answers. You are one redirecting my original question which was about gas flooded engine NOT timing. If I said timing is spot on thats all you need to know. You aren't the only one who checks timing first. You also don't need to answer..

For anyone else who can answer the original question in regards to reviving a gas flooded engine, your similar experiences and what you did to fix it would be great!

 

You are also not required to make tech threads. If you can't or are unwilling to fully participate in technical and diagnostic discussions, including verifying crucial information, then just stop creating tech threads. It's really that simple.

You're "cutting off your nose to spite your face".

 

FIXED!!! All I had to do was keep cranking the engine a little longer.. eventually IT CAUGHT! now I'm just waiting for the fumes to go away since I pour some engine restorer in the spark plug holes.. it had NOTHING to do with my timing. Just had to commit with cranking the engine longer. I didn't wanna hold it that long because my negative battery cable was smoking but after letting it rest and repeating the process, it finally caught.

For your information, I've been on honda tech since 2008.. been through all the "Know it alls" who do nothing but ask questions but don't give answers. Been working on hondas since 2003. I am 35 now and haven't done my engine work in 20 years.. I only go here to post when I can't figure out an issue as a last resort and I still end up with people who ask the same basic questions like "have you checked oil?" You my friend aren't much of a help at all if all you do is ask for pictures.. you only joined like 2018? anyways you can close this thread moderators.

For anyone else with this similar issue, just keep at cranking the engine with the feet down on the pedal. It will eventually start..

 

35 year old just learned how to crank his engine. Congratulations!

 

You cant read so you need pictures 🤣🤣🤣

 

Well, yes you can. Here's how:

1) Insert key into ignition switch.

2) Hold key in ON(III) position until engine fires up.

3) Brilliant!