Crank but no start

KEITHW71

MEMBER
1997 SUBARU LEGACY
2.2L
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
177,000 MILES

Bought this car cheap had a broken timing belt. Put on new belt with all marks lined up tried to crank to see if would run before I reassembled everything it just cranks over and doesn't start. I have replaced crankshaft sensor, camshaft sensor and temperature sensor. Fuel pressure is 30ish, has spark. Has stupid valet parking thing I unplugged it and removed just in case it was the issue. Tried to check for #1 piston to be top dead center but crank shaft timing mark won't line up when it is. Did I mess up on the timing belt? Any help would be great. Thanks

Thursday, March 7th, 2019 AT 1:09 PM

5 Replies

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

Did you happen to do a compression check on the vehicle before you bought it? I have included a couple of links down below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-low-compression
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/the-reasons-for-low-compression
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Please go to the links and go through the guides. I have also included instructions for timing belt removal and installation in the diagrams below. Please let us know what you find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Friday, March 8th, 2019 AT 4:37 AM

KEITHW71

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Okay, so did the compression test the engine was cold because it wont start. Number 4 had 45 the first time and 60 the second time, all others had zero. This was with all plugs out during the test. Engine toast?

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Friday, March 8th, 2019 AT 6:23 AM

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello,

If you are planing on rebuilding it, no. What usually happens in a zero tolerance engine is that when the timing belt breaks the valves are left in place. They do not open and close as they should. The engine, still rotating, has the pistons come up and hit the valves, bending them. I suspect the the cylinder with 45 lbs. Of compression was partially closed and only got a little bent, while all other were open enough the get bent enough to let all compression out of the cylinders. If rebuilding, you might get away with short block being okay, but the valve train will definitely have to be rebuilt. Sorry to have to tell you this.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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Saturday, March 9th, 2019 AT 10:08 AM

KEITHW71

MEMBER
5 POSTS

That's kind of what I figured. Found an engine with 79,000 miles on it going to switch it out. Cost less the rebuilding that one. Is there anything special I need to know to change timing belt on new engine? Any secrets? Thanks

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Saturday, March 9th, 2019 AT 10:15 AM

SCGRANTURISMO

MECHANIC
4,897 POSTS

Hello again,

No just keep a regular maintenance schedule. I've included one in the diagrams below. They are for Severe Duty, so you are sure not to be surprised by anything. It does recommend getting your timing belt replaced every 60,000 miles. So to be on the safe side, given your new engine's mileage, you might want to change it when you get it. If you decide to do that and need help or instructions, just let us know and we can provide that for you.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros

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