KA24DE not firing after headgasket change

[SLAYTER]

(yes I searched a lot, and have tried a lot)

So I changed the headgasket on my KAI marked everything and took my time. I made sure the motor was at TDC Compression, the cams are sitting roughly 10'O Clock Intake by 12'O Clock Exhaust. There are 8 links from start to finish on the sprockets/chain marks I made.

I checked the distributor, attempted rotating it in position.I flooded it at one point and removed the plugs to let it air out.

So here is where I stand and my question.================1ST Gen KA24DE with External ignitor coilCar ran "ok" before removal of headgasket, bad gasket, bad valve stem seals. Both replaced + some.Only Vacuums not hooked up are the 3 to the rear of the cylinder head, by the firewall for the EGR and such.

The car turns over and chugs, like it really really wants to start. You can feel the motor vibrating as if it was firing, but I haven't heard it firing. It just tries.If I could just get spark I bet it'd fire no problem. So I assume it's something with my ignition system and not my timing.

I removed the ignition wires + sparks plugs, there is wet fuel on the plugs so I know it's getting fuel. After reinstalling once, I attempted to start it, and it actually Fired, Felt like it was going to start and died. So it chugged, Fired, and instantly died.

I've also re-checked TDC and the distributors position, plus cams so forth and everything is dead on, i've done this several times with several cars and this is my first problem child

I'm at a loss. I've been trying may different things out of past experiences of timing KA's. I almost think somethings wrong with my ignitor coil. (the wiring on it looks questionable)

Also when I remove the distributor and try to shove it back in different positions I have to force it at times,

any ideas?

Modified by SLAYTER at 5:25 PM 2/25/2009
Modified by SLAYTER at 5:27 PM 2/25/2009

[SLAYTER]

Thinking back...

The only thing I can think to add is that the Idler sprocket may have been 1 or 2 teeth off, how much/badly would this affect the motor starting?

[SLAYTER]

bump any ideas

[SLAYTER]

Nevermind I solved the problem.

Ignition based. Spark Plugs. I bought brand new ones before hand but looking closely at the new ones 1 of them was bent and cracked. I Bought another set, threw them in and it fired right up without any problems, runs great.

[killbillet]

lol gotta love it when its something so simple.

ive had problems before with spark plugs being bad