New engine wont start

ingkey · #1 09-30-2011, 07:35 PM

Just finished replacing 2.9L engine and now it will not start. Engine just cranks and does not fire. I am getting a spark at the plugs. Smells like fuel is getting into the cylinders. New plugs, wires, distributer cap and rotor. Not sure where to go from here. Any suggestions?

Psychopete · #2 10-03-2011, 03:50 AM

If you have spark, fuel into the cylinders, and it won't start on starting fluid; given that the cam timing was correctly set when the engine was assembled, it would seem that your ignition timing is off - distributor could be off or 180 degrees out.

ingkey · #3 10-04-2011, 07:15 PM

I think that may be the issue. Will give it a try tonight. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks.

ingkey · #4 10-06-2011, 12:08 PM

Distributor was off by 180. Fixed that, but still no start. Is there a way to check the cam timing?

Psychopete · #5 10-06-2011, 12:51 PM

Will it start on starting fluid? How did you find TDC? Did you take out the #1 plug, put your finger in the spark plug hole, and turn the crank until air pushed it out? That would verify that it's at least close. Or check that the intake and exhaust valves are both closed on #1 when it's at TDC. Definitely hard to get it going with out someone twisting the dist when you're cranking it over BTDT

, no fun at all.

ingkey · #6 10-08-2011, 12:35 AM

No luck with starting fluid. Found TDC by pulling #1 plug and feeling for air being pushed out. Tried rotating distributer while cranking and still nothing.