Replaced head gasket but car wont start.

[alfredo manzo]

ok so I previously had a blown head gasket, car didnt start after the gasket was completely blown, so i replaced the head gasket, before i did so i set timing at tdc, and when i put it back together it was still at tdc, i just checked it and still at tdc, car cranks but wont start what can it be?

Topic

[JoshMc]

An engine requires a few things to operate. Air, Fuel, Compression and Ignition at the proper timing. What is the make, model and engine size of the car in question? You have to make sure that the timing marks ALL line up not just the one on the harmonic balancer and without knowing what you are working on I can’t really get more exact. The only other tip I can give you is to double check all of the wires and fuses. You may have accidentally sparked a wire while you were working on it and fried a fuse. Good luck.

[alfredo manzo]

its a 1999 honda prelud, my timing is on, ive checked it… i will go in today and check all my connections see if i missed anything.

[dave]

you are probably TDC on the exhaust stroke. make sure you are TDC on compression.

[dreamer2355]

Which one are you missing?

[alfredo manzo]

ok compression on all 4 pistons was 120, spark on all plugs…fuel pump turns on… what can it be?

[LJ11194]

[quote=”Wrench Turner” post=36096]you are probably TDC on the exhaust stroke. make sure you are TDC on compression.[/quote]
I second that, seems like everything else is in order.

[alfredo manzo]

so what exactly should i check now?

[dave]

Make sure you are TDC on the compression stroke, then set timing. Setting timing is different for every vehicle. Follow the published procedure for setting ‘base timing’ on your vehicle. You can’t just make this st*f up. You have to follow the rules.

[alfredo manzo]

can i be bad on time and still have compression?

[dave]

yes.

[Daniel]

I think your spark timing is probably off. Sure way to make sure you are in fact at tdc on cylinder 1 is to pull the plug and put your finger ( or compression gauge) over the hole. with a wrench turn the engine. when you feel air pushing your finger (or affecting the gauge)you know you are on the compression stroke. bring to tdc and adjust timing. Just cause you have compression and spark doesn’t mean that they are timed right. Are you sure head gasket was your only problem? Cause I have never had a head gasket so bad that the engine wouldn’t start at all.

[EricTheCarGuy]

Have you checked for spark and fuel pressure?

[Pat]

i also say 180 out on timing. sounds like u did everything right but just ended up on the exhaust stroke. If u get it figured out let us know cause i know im curious.

=)

Good luck, and good job stayin dirty.

[spelunkerd]

I also am wondering if there was more to the cause of the no start before you replaced the head gasket. I would test fuel pressure at the rail. Is there any chance you have bad gas? Did you try quickstart spray into the throttle body?

[Author]

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