Ring Seals

[Studebaker]

Backfiring tells me you have a timing problem.

No compression tells me you might have a timing problem.

I would remove the rocker arm shaft and do a compression test on one cyl. Taking the rocker arm shaft off should insure all valves are closed. If compression increases you have a timing problem. If compression stays the same you have a ring or head problem.

[FestYboy]

We've gone past the point over a compression test. Cdk2588, you need to do a leak down test. The big issue I see is that it's out of another car... How long was it sitting, and if it was sitting, why wasn't the head pulled for a new HG?
Is there any warranty on it?

[ryanprins13]

I'm jealous of you seal level people. At over a mile high where I live the numbers are a lot lower.

My first festiva had compression around 110psi, ran ok. Waiting to borrow a compression tester to check my new one. Haynes manual says minimum 160psi.

Sent from my SM-G920W8 using Tapatalk

[Cdk2588]

We've gone past the point over a compression test. Cdk2588, you need to do a leak down test. The big issue I see is that it's out of another car... How long was it sitting, and if it was sitting, why wasn't the head pulled for a new HG?
Is there any warranty on it?

The guy told me it was sitting in his garage for 3 yrs and that the only problem he was aware of is that it had been leaking from the headgasket so i bought a new head gasket. And how do you do a leak down test

[Eaglefreek]

Since you had the head off I would confirm you have the cam timing correct. Surely, sounds like cam timing is way off.

[Cdk2588]

Since you had the head off I would confirm you have the cam timing correct. Surely, sounds like cam timing is way off.

Ok before i go any further should i put my terpintine belt back on or should i just truly make sure my timing is correct

[william]

Had a simmer probably with an engine that had been sitting turned out to be a mouse nest in the intake.
It got pulled into the intake valves and was keeping them from seating .

[FestYboy]

Make sure the timing is correct. You can run the engine without the accessory belt. But given the numbers you've posted, I'm not sure that's going to change much of anything.

Did you document the head gasket replacement?

Actually, better question: how far are you from me?

[Dragonhealer]

"That, detective, is the right question"

[Rick the Quick]

Before I went any further I would try a different compression gauge. I bought a Harbor Freight gauge with adapters because it came with an 8mm adapter that I needed. I compared the readings between the Harbor Freight Chinese gauge and my ancient American made Mac Tools gauge and found the Chinese gauge read only half of what the Mac gauge indicated. In other words the Chinese gauge was extremely inaccurate. I can not imagine any engine with all the reciprocating parts present could have compression as low as you measured. Do yourself a favor and try another gauge.

[Cdk2588]

Make sure the timing is correct. You can run the engine without the accessory belt. But given the numbers you've posted, I'm not sure that's going to change much of anything.

Did you document the head gasket replacement?

Actually, better question: how far are you from me?

Im in bloomsburg

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

[FestYboy]

Ok, 2 hrs isn't too bad. All I need is some free time...

[Cdk2588]

Ok, 2 hrs isn't too bad. All I need is some free time...

If your willing i would highly appreciate it bc the wife is about ready to kill me since it isnt running yet. And i am a noob when it comes to this stuff.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

[Cdk2588]

Ok first off i want to apologize to everyone who said my timing was out and i disagreed with them. It in fact was out and it was out 270°. Secondly i fixed that but it still wont start and i am still getting the backfire. Should i put the motor fully back together or will it not stop it from starting without the radiator and fan and the exhaust manifold back on

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

[FestYboy]

You want the manifold on. Now that the mechanical timing is correct, verify that the rotor under the dizzy cap is in the correct position (some can fit 3 ways). Then verify spark, and (with the fuel cutoff switch pushed in) jump the fuel pump test port (T shaped 2 pin connector).