Rebuild on engine and now it won't start

Tiny
FLLTGRL6
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My father and I have rebuildt the engine, on a 97 malibu, sending the heads to a shop. Everything seems to be in its place a functioning. For whatever reason it will not fire up. It has gas, spark and everything but will not turn over. The book says not mess with the timing because it is programed into the computer from the factory. Everything seems to lead to the timing. What can I possibly check?
Saturday, January 27th, 2007 AT 8:16 PM

14 Replies

Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
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  • 9,123 POSTS
Will not turn over or not start? Crank or no crank?

What motor?
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Saturday, January 27th, 2007 AT 9:26 PM
Tiny
FLLTGRL6
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It is a 3.1 L 6 cylender it act as if it wants start but willl not run completly everything is doing as it should but it isn't syincing up. Like it hitting a wall and then trying again. I hope that makes since.
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Sunday, January 28th, 2007 AT 12:23 AM
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
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Sounds like a timing problem. Recheck the ignition wires for correct placement
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Sunday, January 28th, 2007 AT 6:21 AM
Tiny
CARUNDELL
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Hey michele,
I would also recommend compression test on each cylinder to verify!

Chris
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Sunday, January 28th, 2007 AT 7:31 AM
Tiny
FLLTGRL6
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This is an electric ignition and you can not ajust the timing however I will check the compression.
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Sunday, January 28th, 2007 AT 12:43 PM
Tiny
CARUNDELL
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Hey Michele!
Meant to say to verify the valve timing as you have had the heads off and the possibility exists that something may have gone a bit array. Sorry!

Chris
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Sunday, January 28th, 2007 AT 1:25 PM
Tiny
FLLTGRL6
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And how do I go about doing that?
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Sunday, January 28th, 2007 AT 1:30 PM
Tiny
CARUNDELL
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The compression test will verify that! Do you have a compression test gauge?

Chris

p.S. Am happy to send along any data you may need! Wiring/firing pics. Say the word!
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Sunday, January 28th, 2007 AT 1:38 PM
Tiny
FLLTGRL6
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No I don't think I do. My dad has a bunch of tools who knows if he has that
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Sunday, January 28th, 2007 AT 1:41 PM
Tiny
CARUNDELL
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I edited my last post! Hmmmmmm. You'll need that to verify the valve timing. But, it may be a case of "washed out" piston rings too. Try to start it w/ the throttle wide open (gas pedal. Floor it and see if it starts!) This will give more air to the motor and less fuel and it may finally start. It may also run rough for a bit too!

Chris
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Sunday, January 28th, 2007 AT 1:48 PM
Tiny
FLLTGRL6
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Ok I will try that but what are washing out rings
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Sunday, January 28th, 2007 AT 1:50 PM
Tiny
CARUNDELL
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Michele,
OK, washed out rings are. The rings basically need oil to seal them. To give you good compression! And after head work. Sometimes they get "washed out" from (fuel) trying to start it ( the fuel will pass past the rings into the oil pan) and causing a lack of adequate compression for starting (compression). When you go wide open throttle it tends to increase compression and may help the compression a bit to start it!

Chris

p.S. Do the compression test on each cylinder (1 thru 6) and post the results and will let ya know if its ok or not!
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Sunday, January 28th, 2007 AT 2:10 PM
Tiny
FLLTGRL6
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But what if I don't have the gauge is there any other way to check it?
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Sunday, January 28th, 2007 AT 2:18 PM
Tiny
CARUNDELL
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Wow, . Strongly recommend this test. And you can only do it w/ a gauge!

Chris
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Sunday, January 28th, 2007 AT 2:21 PM

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