Rebuilt engine dies

[Tanner Nelson]

So, I just finished putting my engine back together. I have an 05 mitsubishi outlander with a 2.4 L 4 cylinder. Here’s what I’ve replaced:

Pistons
Piston Rings
Rod bearings
main bearings
thrust bearings
head gasket
valves
timing belt
tensioner pully
vvt solenoid
starter motor
fuel filter

Last night after I finally got it back together and tried to start it up. It runs for maybe 3 seconds with loud random squeaking and then just dies. It almost sounds like the piston rings get stuck or something. I know the timing was all lined up before I started it up. Any suggestions of possible issues? Thanks

Topic

[Dave]

If this is reproducible, meaning your engine isn’t dead now – you start it up every time and it dies after 3 seconds, I’d say it’s fuel or spark.

3 seconds is about the amount of fuel in the rails and lines.

So, my wild guess is that the fuel pump is cutting out.

[Tanner Nelson]

I tend to think it’s not fuel or spark related. It’s not necessarily 3 seconds every time. One of the times it sounded good for a bit longer with the throttle pressed a bit. But when I tried to open the throttle more, the engine died with a loud screech.

Is there any chance the cylinders just don’t have enough oil for the new piston rings?

[Author]

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