Will not start, Changed cam phasers, timing chains, tensioners, guides, spark plugs

Ariana,

Great to hear from you. You got yourself into another one. LOL Have you checked the basics such as spark and fuel to the engine? If not, start there. See if it starts for a couple of seconds using starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we know it's a fuel-related issue. If there is no change, check to see if there is spark to the plugs. Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

If we have both spark and fuel, record the engine cranking and upload it for me to hear.

Take care and I'll watch for your response.

Joe

Figured it out. It was the crankshaft position sensor connector, so I went and got a new pigtail, spliced the wires, and boom. It started right up.

I totally forgot to put RTV on the timing cover. Should I take everything off and take the cover off and out RTV? Also, should it be on the valve covers too? And should I also change the cam position sensors?

Ariana,

You always get things going. LOL As far as the RTV, the valve covers (where they meet the front cover (timing cover) meet. If you don't put it there, it will likely leak. It is similar where the timing chain cover meets the oil pan.

When you apply the RTV, you need to install the components (finger tight) within 4 minutes. Otherwise, you need to remove the RTV and re-prep the part.

I attached the directions for the LH valve cover. The RH is similar.

Let me know if I can help.

Joe

See pics below.

A costly mistake because that means I must drain everything again and fight to remove the valve covers and harmonic balancer to get the timing cover off. What a bummer. Another thing, the chain wasn’t off at all, but the engine is shaking really bad. What could that be? The marks lined up, but I had to move the cams and they did jump when I moved them because of the valve spring pressure or whatever it is. Is that bad?

Should this be flush? Could that be why it’s shaking?

So, forget those last posts lol because I took it apart again fearing it was off a tooth and that’s why it was shaking and sure enough the right-hand chain has slack. Why is that? What did I do wrong? All the black links lined up perfectly.

Ariana,

Looking at the pulley pic, something is off. They should be flush. If one is sticking out further than the other, it's likely the pulley isn't fully seated, or something is under it.

Yes, that will cause a vibration. With the engine running, watch to see if it wobbles.

As far as the loose chain is concerned, make sure the tensioners are in place. The tensioners on this engine are hydraulic and depend on oil pressure to function. Are they new or did you reuse the old ones?

Let me know,

Joe

I took it apart and it turns out the pulley is fine because there’s like a little ring on the water pump that’s rusted to the same color as the fan clutch, so it makes it look like it’s not flush, but it is. Also, I had a moment of exhaustion because the chain wasn’t loose. It had gotten a little slack because when I was taking the balancer bolt off it moved back very slightly so that was why there was slack, lol. Everything I did was fine, and it was still in time. Tensioners are new. Phasers oil pump gaskets chains and guided all new. Along with spark plugs VVT solenoids cam sensors crank sensor and crank connector so the only thing I can think of is maybe some debris got into the spark plug holes. I noticed the fuel injector retaining clip was bent. Could that cause the vibration?

If there is a fuel leak, it could cause the vibration, but do you smell fuel that would indicate a leak?

Joe

No.

Although I did smell fuel in the cabin for a like a minute, then it went away.

If it went away, chances it was a residual smell. However, it would be a bad idea to double-check.

If there isn't one, the clip isn't the cause. How rough is it running? Can you take a video and upload it for me?

Let me know.

Joe.

All of the injectors have retaining clips on them but two of them were bent and fuel was leaking out. And yes, I’ll take a video when I start it. Right now, I’m charging the battery because the interior lights won’t even turn on. That's how dead it is which I don’t understand because I disconnected the negative cable when I was working on the car.

Ariana,

Chances are the battery is just no good. It shouldn't drain that badly if it was disconnected.

As far as the injectors, just be sure nothing is leaking. Were you able to replace the bent clips?

Joe

Um, heard a really loud pop and then found this.

The plug itself looks fine to me, but here’s what broke.

Crazy.

Ariana,

Did the spark plug stay in the head? These engines have a reputation for having the spark plugs blowing out of the heads.

Was the coil bolted down? I see the housing is broken.

Let me know. I think you found your rough idle.

Take care,

Joe

The plug wasn’t broken at all but no it wasn’t in the head. Threads back in perfectly and tightens and everything. I’m pretty sure it was the ignition coil because that would explain a lot of the stuff the owner of the car was telling me he was experiencing.

Actually, I don't know because I changed everything including spark plugs then tried it and had rough idle. Then I removed the spark plugs again and then installed them again and that’s when it blew out. It didn’t break or anything but blew out as soon as I started the car. The only thing that happened in between was the battery dying and me charging it. So, the rough idle was before I removed them and put them back and apparently either over or under torquing them.

Be careful with over-tightening. They can strip easily (aluminum head and not too many threads).

For the coil to shoot out, I would think the spark plug came with it. Plus, it looks like the coil fell apart. Did you replace it yet?

Joe

Yeah, just got it, but I’m honestly scared to do it again because I’m afraid it’s something I did.

It’s not the timing though because the dark links matched up. So, idk but I’m scared to start it. Here’s a video from right after I was done timing it.

You do nice work. Everything looks clean and ready to go!!! Many years ago, my first shop teacher always said, "Make it look like someone lives here." In other words, make it clean, organized, and neat. That's what I've always done, but most are not like that anymore. You, on the other hand, do nice work.

What are you afraid of? If you worry about something causing interference internally, simply turn the crank by hand several revolutions. If there is an interference, it will stop turning and won't go further. (don't force it if that happens).

Ariana, just make sure not to cross-thread the spark plugs or overtighten it. I would replace that coil. It looks beyond repair.

Never be afraid. The worst case is it won't start, or you may hear a backfire. LOL If you do, stop and recheck the timing. If everything is aligned, it will start.

Take care of yourself, be confident, and don't worry. I know you took your time and it's right.

Let me know.

Joe

Thank you. And yeah, that’s what I did, lol. When I took it apart again to apply the RTV since I forgot to apply it the first time, I turned it by hand four revolutions and watched everything just to be sure it was okay. And yeah, I bought a new coil and replaced it. Started up and ran perfectly, lol. Now I can go back to my car!

Ariana,

I had a feeling you had it correct. It looks like you take a lot of pride in your work. That is something that is fading. I hope you never change.

Great job!!! And remember, have confidence in yourself. You do good work.

Take care of yourself. I'll see you on the Explorer post when you are ready.

Joe

Change of plans lol. Now something else on the truck needs to be fixed so I’ll be asking another question about this truck, lol.

I will watch for your questions.

Take care,

Joe