Saturday, November 30th, 2013 AT 11:24 PM
This grand am 2.4 had a new head gasket put on and has not ran since. I was hired to get it figured out. After making sure there is ample spark and fuel getting to each cylinder it still is not running and is barely even poofing at all. So I decide to see if they put the timing chain on right and discovered it was off a few teeth. They didnt put it on right or it skipped. So now im thinking valves are bent and compression test confirms that 3 of 4 cylinders have 30-40 psi while other has 130. I mentioned this to owner and found out they bent what he called a rod and had to replace it. Now im thinking all the exhaust valves are probably bent at the least. I have put alot of time into this and not sure if it is worth taking head off and trying to repair all of thisjust get a new motor. After I set the timing chain right the car started right up and sounded pretty good considering. Then a clanking sound from the top of the motor started and the motor shuts off. I havent tried to run it since but im thinking these bent valves are screwed and one gave completely. I realize with the compression values I should not have even entertained running it but I was curious if it would start. Any words of wisdom here before I move forward are greatly appreciated. Thanks

