Cranks but no start?

Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
  • MEMBER
  • 2015 BUICK ENCORE
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 121,000 MILES
I expect the motor is gone, bought it as is assuming the worst. The engine has oil.
Plugs were out and inside the trunk so I assumed someone was measuring compression.
I did my own and it was 30 but noticed two of the cylinders were wet. Inserted a camera and both cylinders 2 and 3 have a lot of fluid on top of the cylinder, which smells like gas.
The sound indicates no compression or very low, but is it possible she has gotten flooded with gas and stopped running?
Tuesday, November 29th, 2022 AT 1:21 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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Attached.
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Tuesday, November 29th, 2022 AT 1:21 PM
Tiny
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Also, trying to figure out whether a 2015 model is same as a 2016.
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Tuesday, November 29th, 2022 AT 1:58 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

With that much fuel coming out, are you sure there isn't a stuck injector that has washed the cylinder walls clean of oil? The oil in the vehicle is likely contaminated as well.

If you suspect compression, did you try a wet compression test to see if there is a major increase in compression?

As far as the engine vs year. It matters. If you find one with a "B" engine code in the VIN, they are the same. If it has an "M" engine code, they are different. Both are a 1.4L turbo but they are different engines.

I attached three pics below. The first is the 2015 engine. Pic two is a 2016 B code and pic three is a 2016 M code. I attached them to provide the manufacturer's part numbers.

Let me know if you have done a wet compression test and I would remove the fuel pump fuse, so it stops pumping fuel, but that's your call. LOL

Take care and let me know what I can do to help.

Joe

See pics below.
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Tuesday, November 29th, 2022 AT 8:28 PM
Tiny
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What should the normal values on a compression test be? I will do a wet test. Also, if all cylinders were around 20 PSI because of the engine being flooded and a bore wash, that would help, I guess. Where is the relay for fuel pump?
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Wednesday, November 30th, 2022 AT 10:22 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I attached the directions from the manufacturer below for testing. The compression range is highlighted.

As far as the fuel pump relay is concerned, it doesn't have one. It is controlled by both the chassis control module and the power control module.

So, remove the fuel pump fuse in the under-hood fuse box. I attached a pic below showing its location.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, November 30th, 2022 AT 8:25 PM
Tiny
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Removed all the fuel or whatever fluid is in the cylinders with a pump. Put in some oil in each, cylinders one and 4 came back to 180, 2 and 3 to 60. Put spark plugs back and tried to start it, sounds better. Removed plug two found lots of fluid in it. Also, there is a hess from the coolant reservoir. I am guessing this is a head gasket. Because there is water as you see in the picture. Worth replacing the head gasket you think and try? These engines are 2200-2500. Check cylinder two.
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Thursday, December 1st, 2022 AT 8:26 AM
Tiny
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How is it that water did not mix with oil? Oil is black but no sign of water in it.
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Thursday, December 1st, 2022 AT 12:53 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

It sounds like a head gasket to me. The idea that you hear hissing at the coolant reservoir leads me to think compressed air is being forced into the cooling system.

Also, you could take a borescope and look down into the cylinders to see if there are any indications of a valve issue. The idea that it came up to 60psi is likely just because the cylinder walls were washed with fuel and not a good indication of worn rings.

Also, is that coolant all over the top of the engine in the pic you attached?

One other thought, as long as we can confirm the head gasket is the issue and coolant weren't mixed with the engine oil, I would likely try fixing it. You will need to remove the head to see what the gasket looks like.

Let me know your thoughts, questions, and what you plan to do.

Joe
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Thursday, December 1st, 2022 AT 2:11 PM
Tiny
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Can you send me instructions on replacing the head gasket? Am always concerned with the chain and timing on any car anytime I do a big job, the rest can be easy for me.
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Friday, January 13th, 2023 AT 7:05 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

I attached the removal and installation of the cylinder head. Is that what you are asking for or do you need something different?

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.
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Friday, January 13th, 2023 AT 8:37 PM
Tiny
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What about removing the chain? Does it need to be completely removed?
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Saturday, January 14th, 2023 AT 5:07 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

The chain will need to be removed. Also, reinstalling the chain on the camshafts requires a special holding tool as well as one that holds the crankshaft in the TDC position.

If you look below, I attached directions for the removal and replacement of the timing chain. Where you see the poorly made highlighted star, that starts the timing directions.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Saturday, January 14th, 2023 AT 8:19 PM
Tiny
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Great, thanks.
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Sunday, January 15th, 2023 AT 7:07 AM

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