Festiva cranks but not starting

[chadzeilenga]

I wrapped up the install of the rebuilt engine in my 90 Festiva. Everything is in it's place other than the exhaust manifold. I have tried to start the car and cannot get it running, it will crank and crank and try to start but never fire up. Here is an overview of what I have checked.

- Fuel Pump is pumping with key on. I left the hose to the injectors off and on the floor. With key on and engine turning, a steady stream of fuel came out.

- I pulled the #1 plug wire and there is a spark when the engine is cranking.

- There is a light amount of blue combustion flame coming out of the #4 exhaust when cranking.

- When I hold my hand over exhaust ports 1-3 during cranking I can feel a suction, is this right?

[chadzeilenga]

timing set

I went thru and reset my timing. Rolled car until crank pointer at TDC. Then made sure cam marks were at 12 & 3. Then verified that distributor rotor was pointing to mark for #1 cyl. All of this was on compression stroke for #1. Before, car was roughly trying to start, now it just cranks smoothly but doesn't catch. I verified that the injectors are pulsing by rotating distributor rotor. I purged old gas out of line and put 5 gallons in tank. My fusible links were replaced by fuses and are good.

Any thoughts?

[mckabe]

Check that you have spark in all 4, check and recheck timing. If there is suction in your ports for exhaust sounds like your valves are opening at the wrong time (timing)

[econoaddict]

By reading your last post, you said you reset the timing.
Assuming you did change something with the timing marks/dsitributor and now it reacts different, cranks smooth vs. trying a bit. I would say something is off with your timing belt and/or distributor.

[chadzeilenga]

Last night I verified the timing of crank, cam & distributor and reset accordingly. I turned the crank twice and locked the tensioner. Ill double check my work t be sure.

I need a second set of hands to do some diagnostic work and verify I am gettng spark and fuel at the cyl right now. Bhard to see what is going on while cranking.

[econoaddict]

Last night I verified the timing of crank, cam & distributor and reset accordingly. I turned the crank twice and locked the tensioner. Ill double check my work t be sure.

I need a second set of hands to do some diagnostic work and verify I am gettng spark and fuel at the cyl right now. Bhard to see what is going on while cranking.

If you leave the tensioner loose while turning the engine it can jump teeth.

You need a remote starter switch Harbor Freight, they are cheap.

[sc72]

Do a compression check, that will tell you some things and thats a one man job.

[WmWatt]

Ignition control module? Test for free at some parts stores.

[zoom zoom]

Doubtful it'll help you but I know if the crank position sensor is off it will make the car roll over forever seeming like a no spark/fuel problem.

/e yea I just looked at the manual and the "ckp" for 90-93 models are built into the distributor.

Either way if your getting fuel and you've got some compression going on and airflow it would have to be something with the timing/distributor?

[doi_doi]

have you check the firing order?

[chadzeilenga]

Yes, I checked the firing order before I double checked the timing which was off by 90deg. I'm going to take a look in a couple days. Been busy for a few nights. What has me confused is that prior to resetting the timing, it was definitely during and the check engine light was not on after cranking, but now I get a CEL after cranking and there doesn't seem to be combustion. Has me worried I didn't reconnect something while doing the timing.

[chadzeilenga]

I had some more time to look at the Festiva tonight. I installed a new set of plugs and checked for spark. I have a healthy spark on all 4 cyl. I also installed a new cap and rotor. At this time I checked the firing order, and that was good also.

What is a typical compression on a motor with 150k? I was measuring 120psi, but I don't think my compression tester was seating 100%.

I noticed that the rotor could be installed in 3 locations, so I am going to take another look at the timing the next free night I have.

Tonight, the car did crank better and I saw more flame out of exhaust ports, so I think I'm getting closer.

[GenevaDirt]

was going to suggest the rotor thing...try all 3 ways if you are not sure it is on right. The setting for the Disty should be almost exactly in the middle of the swing for adjustment.

[chadzeilenga]

Here is an update:
Last night I tried to start the festiva again... Ha ha

I tried the distributor rotor in all 3 positions. My original position had the most potential. I checked the timing and all of the marks lined up. When starting I am getting both fuel and spark. I get an occasional popping from combustion, but it never goes farther than that. I pulled a few plugs and they were wet.

The only other thng I can think of is that my timing is off 180 and I'm trying to fire on the exhaust stroke?

[zoom zoom]

That, or..how sure are you that you got the rods back in the corresponding holes right when you put the head back together? It could well be a couple mismatched rods throwing the compression off.

If your exhaust header is still off, is gas leaking out of it?