Recent head gasket/timing chain replacement, engine cranks, but wont start

[RatedR]

1991 motor, pulled it to do the following (headgasket/timing chain), replaced into a 93 chassy. We've got spark and fuel, I've set the timing correctly (see the timing marks with the timing light). My question is, would an inccorect/absent vacuum connection prevent me from starting???

[RatedR]

Here too nistech~! Thanks~!

[RatedR]

Came back from school, going to Wyotech, got some good pointers from my instructor. He says that the 91 distributor will not work with a 93 ECU. He also says to check the ECU before replacing anything like the distributor. Hope this helps....

[RatedR]

Dont know why I'm still replying, seems like I'm talking to myself....

Pulled the ECU today, 3 codes: 11, 12, 21. 11 is the crank angle sensor12 is the MAF or air flow meter circuit 21 is the ignition signal circuit

Didnt even know these bishez came with a crank angle sensor....I cleared these codes after I found them and the ECU says 55, but still just cranks and wont spark.... Any other ideas?

[:: orion ::]

'91 DOHC distributor is same as '93...same part #.

As for codes...did you try to start it with the plugs disconnected? Maybe even once?

11 and 21 are both dist related...crank angle sensor is built into the distributor.

Anyway, despite what you're seeing ont he itming marks...it could be 180* off.

Pull the dist, align to TDC #1 once again, reinstall...you'll get it.

This has caused me headaches a couple times, and I've done this A BUNCH...never had one just drop in and work perfect. That takes luck...not skill.

- Brian

[RatedR]

Yeah, I've had to mess with this a bunch of times on another engine.... so since both distributors work fine, and you suggest I reset timing, what should I look for? Everytime I've tried the #1TDC timing reset method, it skips and everything gets whack. I know I've set the timing chain correctly. Must just be the timing. Why wouldnt the engine start if I've set everything up correctly?

[petesleaf]

Check the second post on "cam alignment." Make sure you have the right color cams in the right locations, notice lobes pointing away from each other and the timing marks on the cam and chain are the same as in the post. Also "slipnfall/Jamie might be able to help you as he had trouble starting his after a recent rebuild and he mentioned he found his distribuitor timing was off. retrace all your steps a second time. Pull plugs and check for compression on #1 at top dead center.

[slipnfall]

It sounds like you know what you're doing regarding the distributor timing, but humor us and eliminate the possibility by setting it once more. As Pete said, double check you have the intake and exhaust cams in the right spots:

First set the crank to TDC. Look at your cams. The front-most two(cyl one), should be pointing outwards, not depressing the valves.

The intake cam will have the sprocket pin located in the same spot as the first cam lobe(roughly 10 'oclock).

The exhaust cam will have the pin at 12 'oclock, with the lobe pointing at 2 'oclock.

If they aren't, don't be alarmed yet. Turn the crank 180', put the crank pulley mark at TDC, and check again.

Hope this helps eliminate that possibility. From here you can properly install the distributor.

[RatedR]

Yeah, I know what I'm doing regarding the timing. Seems like brian's answer about this being luck is the most sensible. I'll humor you guys and post what happens.

[TheOne]

have you checked the grounds? it has happened to me quite sometime.....i forget to put the ground on the back of the driver side head(next to exhaust mani), and the car would either not start or start with crappy idle, but still get good spark & fuel.

[RatedR]

Gound's fine. Checked the dist. it was 180- off. Now i've set the timing back and the timing marks disappear on me. Still tryin to find the best way to get the timing marks to show without it being 180 off.....any advice brian?

[RatedR]

finally got it running~! re-opened the valve cover, and compared it with my 91's. Somehow after the timing chain replacement, the cams were still 1 tooth retarded. MAN DOES IT FEEL GOOD TO BE ABLE TO FIX YOUR OWN CAR~!!!!! THANKS FELLAS~!