Timing chain?

Hi,

Do you have the 3.7L V6 or the 5.3L V8? I need to know that to get the information needed.

I attached a couple of pics below. If you have the 3.7, see pic 1. Note, the colored links must align with the marks.

Pic 2 shows the 5.3L and is much easier to time the engine.

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

This is an interference engine. If it was out of time when you were cranking it, there could be internal damage.

If you can, record it cranking and upload it for me to hear. I should be able to tell if there is a compression issue. If you are unable to do this, here is a link that explains how to test engine compression.

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

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

Hi,

The engine has no compression and will not run this way. If the timing was off the first time you put it together and you were cranking it, there is a chance there is internal damage to the valves. Please keep in mind that I am basing that on the timing to be correct at this point.

What I need you to do is remove the valve cover and see if there are any stuck valves.

I'm sorry for the bad news, but it took a half second for me to recognize the issue.

I don't know if you need them, but I attached the directions for removing and replacing the valve cover.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Hi,

Chances are the head gasket was bad. Is there any evidence that the valves were hitting the tops of the pistons? Is there any damage you can see?

Also, get the coolant out of the cylinders, dry them, and place a film of motor oil over the cylinder walls. Make sure there is no coolant mixed with the engine oil as well. If it did, drain and replace it with new oil and a filter.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Joe

Hi,

Based on the pics, I would say you are okay. I attached a pic below from your pics. Are these marks from the valves?

Let me know. As far as the pistons, they look fine. You may want to confirm there is no damage to the valves. They should be okay, but you should check.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

Hi,

If the valves are not damaged, that's great. You can either put things together with the new gaskets or have the heads magnafluxed for cracks and if you have a good straight edge, run it across the block to make sure there is no more than a.005" gap at any point.

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

Do you mean the cylinder head to the engine block or are you referring to the valve cover to the cylinder head?

The valve cover is 89-inch pounds, not foot-pounds. It works out to 7 foot-pounds.

The 12 head bolts are first tightened to 22 ft/lbs and then an additional 155-degree turn.

The end bolts on the head are different. You start at 62-inch pounds which is equal to 5 foot-pounds. And then slightly tighten after. See the directions below.

Note: The last pic is from a different manual. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't wrong. Both manuals are the same.

Remember, foot pounds and inch pounds are very different. Let me know if you have questions regarding them.

I attached the directions below. The last pic is just a torque confirmation.

Let me know if this helps.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Hi,

As long as they weren't the end bolts they shouldn't have broken. Once the initial torque to 22 ft/lbs is done, you have to go back and turn the bolts an additional 155 degrees. So, 22 ft/lbs is only the start.

I guess it could be the torque wrench or a faulty bolt, but the bolt, in most cases, isn't the issue. Do you have a different torque wrench? If you can get your hands on one, torque a bolt on something that isn't important to see if it is the same on the one you purchased. Also, what type of wrench is it? For example, tighten a bolt to 20 ft/lbs with a different wrench and see if your new one clicks before turning the bolt further.

Let me know.

Joe

Hi,

Are you certain the compression is good? The idea that you hear combustion, but it won't start leads me to think it's low.

Is it possible for you to record it cranking and upload it for me to hear?

Let me know. As far as diagnosis, usually, I can figure it out, but not being there makes it more of a challenge. Let me hear what it's doing.

Take care,

Joe

It has no compression for sure. Either the timing is off, or the valves are stuck open.

If you remove the valve cover, are the valves moving?

Joe