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After replacing head gaskets it will not start

Tiny
BIGGJOHNSON76
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 4.3L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 18,600 MILES
Recently replace the head gaskets and both heads on my truck. Now it will not start. It sounds like it has no compression. The starter sounds like it is free spooling, not making contact with the ring gear but it has been visually verified. Have not done a compression test of any kind as of yet.
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Thursday, March 29th, 2018 AT 6:24 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
MIKE H R
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,094 POSTS
If the starter is turning over the engine and the engine turn over very easily then I would do a compression check. When you replaced the heads did you adjust the valves to specifications.
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Saturday, March 31st, 2018 AT 6:53 AM
Tiny
BIGGJOHNSON76
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I have visually checked that the starter is making contact with and rotating the ring gear. I have done a compression check, no compression on any of the six cylinders. And, yes the rocker arm nuts are torqued to spec's 18-22 ft/lbs.
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Saturday, March 31st, 2018 AT 10:22 AM
Tiny
MIKE H R
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No compression on any cylinder. There should be some compression in one side or the other even if the head gasket was leaking. Was the heads the same numbers as the ones you took off? Disconnect the power to the distributor, then take a plug out and have someone turn the truck over with you putting your thumb over the hole. You should feel some compression when it goes into the compression stroke. Can you see if the crankshaft is turning you can see this by watching the belt turns? If it is then there is a major air leak or the starter is turning but not turning the ring gear.
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Saturday, March 31st, 2018 AT 12:17 PM
Tiny
BIGGJOHNSON76
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The heads were the same number as the ones I took off.I haven't used my thumb over the plug hole, but I did use a compression test gauge. The indicator needle on the gauge would blip up to about 5 psi but that was it, even through multiple engine revolutions. The starter is engaging the fly wheel as is visible by the crank and conversely the belt and rest of the pulleys. Going to pull the valve covers tomorrow and take a look at the rockers and push rods.
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Saturday, March 31st, 2018 AT 6:34 PM
Tiny
MIKE H R
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When you do, loosen two rockers for one piston push rods, then take a compression check on that cylinder.
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Sunday, April 1st, 2018 AT 7:29 AM
Tiny
BIGGJOHNSON76
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  • 5 POSTS
Already buttoned it up for today, being as it is Easter. I will not get a chance to check anything else before next weekend. If there are anymore questions or comments, please feel free. I will check this thread and reply regularly.
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Sunday, April 1st, 2018 AT 10:04 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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How did you tighten down the rockers it sounds like you are holding all the valves open? Like they are to tight. Can you take a picture of the valve train for us?
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Tuesday, April 3rd, 2018 AT 11:26 AM

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