ok, i just finished changing the valve cover gasket on my motor. it was easy, but now my car won't start....?!?!

i turn the key, and the car won't turn over...but i hear a chattering sound for as long as the key is turned. the sound is kinda hard to explain, but the closest thing that comes to mind is a rattlesnake. when i turned the key, the the CEL came on as well (it was flashing as the chattering sound was going).

all the bolts are back on the valve cover, and the spark plug wires are all in order. i don't know what's going on, and have been to scared to try and start the car again (the sound isn't very pleasing...like something is hitting something maybe?).

any help or suggestions??????

 

Are all of the plug wires on tight???? Did you leave anything in the motor? (JK)

 

yes, the plug wires are tight...even if they weren't tight, that wouldn't cause this chattering sound though, would it?

 

check all your grounds.also make sure your batt cables are tight

 

well, it's too dark to do anything about my problem right now (blasted sunlight left me!), and i don't have a garage to work in.

i'll check the grounds tomarrow, and double check everything i did. i just don't know what happened. i suspect it was something incredibly dumb and stupid...something one would overlook.

if anybody has any other suggestions, feel free to lay them on me....

 

Id check the ECU and see what kind of code that it is throwing. From there you can eliminate your problem....


[Modified by CRX-PRO, 4:24 AM 11/28/2002]

 

check:
-plugs to dist. (everything nice and tight)
-plugs to spark plugs (everything nice and tight)
-ground wire

 

"Id check the ECU and see what kind of code that it is throwing. From there you can eliminate your problem...."

is it possible to even check the code if there is one? it wasn't like the CEL came on and stayed, it just flashed briefly as the key was turned, it wasn't a constant on. i'm not sure, but i'll check everything tomarrow (when i can see what i'm doing )

 

your ecu will always jsut flas the cel light for abot a split second and on your dash for a about 2 seconds and then go out.make sure all your wiring connected to sensors are good.i coudn't start my car at one time becasue on e of the wires was brokedn,took a long time to figure out such a dumb overlooked thing.

 

Turn your key on to start.(Thats right before cranking the engine over)Remove your carpet from the passenger side firewall.Count how many times the red dot blinks. Your CEL will always come on right before starting the engine because its for you to make sure that all your warning lights are working before you start your car. But you can still check the ecu without having to start the car....

 

thanks for the help everyone, but i found the problem. it was so simple, i looked past it. i was listening to the radio while working on the rex and forgot that i probably drained the battery because of that (doh). i jumped the car yesturday and now it runs like a champ! thanks again though...