After replacing the head gasket now will not start

WILKINS0902

MEMBER
2003 NISSAN SENTRA
1.8L
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
115,000 MILES

2 weeks ago I replaced the head gasket. Along with that I replaced all the usual gaskets (valve cover, intake/exhaust, water pump, etc.) I also replaced the oil pressure sensor and crankshaft position sensor. Today I received a new valve cover so I could finally finish the project. Go to start the vehicle and it cranks, but refuses to start. First thought was fuel. Checked the fuses; good. Popped off the rail; definitely getting fuel. Next I rechecked the timing, twice. Third I ran through and checked every wire, ground, and connector. All good. I removed the coil packs and spark plugs one by one. All getting a spark. The weird part to me is with one spark plug removed and ground out to the manifold. The vehicle starts. Runs bad but starts. What is the issue?

Friday, November 6th, 2015 AT 4:00 PM

3 Replies

CADIEMAN

MECHANIC
3,544 POSTS

Do a compression test and make sure it has compression in all the cylinders.

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Saturday, November 7th, 2015 AT 7:55 AM

WILKINS0902

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Don't have the means for a compression test. When rechecking the timing it clearly had compression when I was manually turning the engine over though.

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Saturday, November 7th, 2015 AT 9:54 AM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,796 POSTS

Good morning,

I would start with a compression test to be sure the timing is correct. That will eliminate the possibility of the timing being off.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

You can rent a tester at any parts store for the procedure.

As far as the starting with the plug out, I would review all your grounds. It sounds like you have a ground wire not connected to the block.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Roy

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Saturday, March 28th, 2020 AT 1:09 AM