Gtr not starting... :(

[EtienneGignac]

So today was supposed to be the big day the skyline starts for the first time in a year.

So I turn the key, the engine turns over but doesn't start. It's not even trying. I can smell the fuel so I undo the coilpacks put a spark plug in one, put it against metal, undo the CAS and turn it by hand and sure enough there's no spark.

Looking around, I noticed I forgot a connector near the back of the head. I hook it up, turn the CAS again I got spark. So far so good. I replace the spark plugs with another brand new set, turn the key again, same thing.

So if I have fire and fuel....I break out the compression tester, put it in #1, crank it over a few times and...nothing. The needle doesn't even move. Try #2, same thing.

Am I missing something or am I just screwed ?

[EtienneGignac]

The only other thing I can think of is if the cams are not correct in relation to the crank. That would be a pretty good explanation but I aligned the timing belt correctly and there's no way you can put the cam gears wrong because of the alignment pin... plus I didn't hear any piston/valve contact...

[GTR-Dad]

You could even try boosting it. My car doesn't like to start with a low battery even though it's turning over fast enough it should fire.

Dan

[EtienneGignac]

I don't think that would explain the zero compression though...

[GTR-Dad]

I don't think that would explain the zero compression though...

Sorry! Will read more carefully next time!

If it was running ok before and all you've done is let it sit for a year it's unlikely the compression just went away. Check the compression tester, or just boost it and see what happens.

If the timing belt has been removed or adjusted, the valve timing idea holds water, but it sounds like you've double checked. Maybe check again with a knowledgable helper...

My most hopefull guess (having read more carefully) is that you flooded it initially and have a faulty compression tester. The worst case is that you're just screwed. Hopefully not.

Good luck,
Dan

[EtienneGignac]

Forgot to mention: the car wasn't just sitting for a year, the engine was rebuilt... anyway thanks dad, I'll double check the timing belt and go from there.

[christdeyoung]

Forgot to put the rings in? lol
You have proper valve clearances? Try the tester on another car.
Maybe squirt a bit of oil down each cylinder first to replenish the film that was washed down by the gas.

[EtienneGignac]

I put the leakdown tester on #1 and I can feel the air coming through the #2 spark plug hole....looks like there's something wrong with the headgasket.

Engine out again I guess...

[nbskyline]

I know the feeling....sorry to hear

[Turismo]

man, i feel bad for your right now.

[EtienneGignac]

Head gasket is a brand new cosworth and the head was decked flat. So maybe I didn't torque it down properly, maybe there was some dirt on there...who knows.

All I know is I'm getting pretty good at getting the engine in and out of the car by myself.

[GTR-Dad]

Things to check for next time...
Block decked too?
Head bolt torque order
Head bolt torque value and procedure. (Some require torque to a value, back off, and torque to a new value.)

Sorry to hear...

Dan

[EtienneGignac]

Block was not decked but checked for straightness at the same time as it was magnafluxed.

Followed the torque order and procedure to the letter.

I think the fact that I had the cams in when I put the head on might have screwed me up. It's harder to get your tool in there and the sockets always ends up rubbing against a cam when you pull 118 ft-lbs on it.

So I'll take the cams off, retorque and put the cams back in. Actually no I won't. I'll test for compression without the cams first. I'll let you know how it goes.

[GTR-Dad]

Good luck!

Sounds like you're on top of it.

Cheers,
Dan

[Chewy]

fingers crossed it was the cams.