Finished head and timing chain job, won't start

[snallygaster]

OK, here's what happened...My 93 240SX KA24DE was buring oil and had a noisy timing chain. So, I tore it down, replaced what was needed, and put it back together. Just before I made my first attempt to start it, i noticed a ground wire that looked like it belonged on the alternator. As I was trying to find a spot for it, i bumped it against the positive post on the alt. Sparks flew, and the whole rig went dead. After searching for a minute, I saw that the alt fuse had blown. It was 4am and I just wanted to see if it would start. So, like an idiot, I stuck a nut between the contacts. Everything turned back on. I went to start it, but all it did was crank. It turned over quickly, but there wasn't even a hint of it trying to fire. I double checked all connectors, and I didn't see anything out of sorts. The next day, I got the right fuse and put it in. I also tested all the related relays, checked for spark (I actually took the plugs out and grounded them and saw them spark as it turned over), and I saw fuel mist coming out of the spark plug holes. I thought the timing may be off, so I took the valve cover and the upper timing chain cover off and placed a long magnetic retriever in the spark plug hole as a TDC gauge (sort of). I turned the engine by hand and watched the stick go up and stop. In that position, I saw the timing marks on the sprockets in the right position. I mean it looked picture-perfect according to the Chiltons manual that I have. I set the distributor on the number 1 cylinder (even taking care to stab it a couple notches ahead to account for it spinning back slightly). Went to start it again, still nothing. It has spark and fuel, it must have compression because it's hard to turn by hand, and I hear sucking hand hissing when it turns, but I get nothing. Any chance it's not getting air? I noticed that there were valves on the intake, right by the head. Could those be stuck shut and choking it? I'm running out of ideas, and would appreciate any clues.

[NISTECH]

hold the pedal to the floor and crank it , see if it will try to sputer after cranking it awhile, 10 sec intervals at most with 15sec pasues but keep the key in the on position and you foot on the floor during the pauses. it she fires up obviously let back on the throttle. I suspect it may be flooded if your timing is truly on the marks.

[snallygaster]

Hey Nistech, you nailed it buddy! I looked down the cylinders, and there was a puddle of gas on each. It was too flooded for your procedure, however. I ended up taking out the plugs, pulling the fuel pump fuse, and cranked it a few times. That dried it right out. After that, it started on the first crank! It did die about a hundred feet down the parking ramp, though. I couldn't get it started, so I turned the distributor a little, then it ran fine. Then I was reminded that I needed power steering fluid (some spilled when I pulled the pump out), because she groans pretty bad when I turn. But, that's trivial now. Again, I want you to know how much I appreciate your great input. You're awesome!!

[benemorius]

The flooring the gas pedal that nistech spoke of actually tells the ecu to stop sending fuel while cranking. Quite similar to pulling the fuel pump fuse, and much easier to do. I realize this is irrelevant now. This is only for the information of those reading.

I'd check that timing asap if I were you. From my experience, it takes some pretty bad timing to keep the car from starting like that.

[NISTECH]

glad to hear you got it fired. Forgot to mention too

welcome to nico.

Scott