2003 Kia Optima will not run

LWARCOX

MEMBER
2003 KIA OPTIMA

Engine Performance problem
2003 Kia Optima 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 160k miles

My 2003 Kia optima 2.4L DOHC engine broke the timing belt & balance shaft belt. It broke one valve

cylinder 4, bent two intake valves cylinder two. I had just replaced both coil packs and wires and

plugs.I pulled the head and had it reconditioned. My compression is about 165 to 170 psi per cylinder.
I fire tested both plugs I could because of coil packs. With clip on spark tester. On one and three getting white fire, logic probed

injectors getting firing pulse on all four injectors. With plugs out I smell fuel. Logic probed cam

sensor pulse stops at top dead center cylinder one. Logic probed ckp pulse two every 360 degress crank

rotation. All timing marks on target. I can't get timing light to flash on wires I hooked it up to my

Saturn and it flashed fine. I would say low spark, but I have two new coil packs and wires. I noticed

vacuum was weak during cranking. The starter spins slow then faster like a dead spot. Any idea (other

than replacing starter)?

1 Reply

KNOWYOURAUTO

MECHANIC
113 POSTS

Did any of your pistons look like this when you had the head off?

This engine specifically suffers more damage than the usual interference engine when the timing belt brakes. There is likely piston skirt or connecting rod damage causing the engine. This will cause the engine to get stuck while cranking after all the work you did. You compression would still be good despite the damage.

One question: You stated
"On one and three getting white fire, logic probed."

Do one and three share the same coil, and so two and four are not getting spark?

You can repost as needed.

Regards,