Will not start

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Out of time can mean a couple things. First, adjusting timing by turning the distributor is how to fine tune the timing. That is done after you are certain the timing belt has not jumped. If the timing belt jumped (camshaft and crankshaft) timing are off and nothing you do with the distributor will fix it.

With that in mind, you need to first confirm the belt is correct. Here are directions showing where the timing mark must be on the cam sprocket when the crankshaft mark is aligned at top dead center (TDC). You will need to do the following:

1. If necessary, loosen alternator and remove alternator drive belt.
2. Remove valve cover.
3. Remove upper timing belt cover.
4. Rotate crankshaft until number one cylinder is at TDC (top dead center) compression stroke, then align camshaft sprocket timing marks as shown. Crankshaft may be rotated with engine installed in vehicle using a socket wrench inserted through access hole in the front of left fender well.

The attached picture shows where the timing marks should be. On the crankshaft, align TDC with the indicator on the cover. The timing mark on the cam sprocket and align it with the surface where the valve cover seats.

I tried to enlarge the writing. See pictures 2 and 3. Two is the cam and three shows the mark on the crankshaft. If one of them is in the correct spot and the other is not, you need to remove the timing belt and replace it.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions. We will get it going.

Take care,

Joe

Hi Al, and welcome back.

Is there any way you could upload an audio of what it is doing? If I could hear it, I may be of more help.

I attached a picture of how the plug wires should be positioned. First, note which cylinders are 1 - 4. Next, the rotor rotates clockwise, so when you installed the distributor, you should have had the crank timing mark on TDC (0 degrees). Then, when you installed the distributor, the rotor should point to the connector which fires the number one cylinder. Once you get that done, simply place the plug wires in sequential order to the rotation of the rotor so they go to the correct cylinders, 1, 3, 4, 2.

If you have that correct, then pay attention when you are cranking the engine. If the starter begins to turn, sounds like it is under an excessive load, cranks, and repeats, the timing is too far advanced. If that is the case, turn the distributor a little at a time clockwise to retard the timing. If you have a helper, have them crank it while you do this. If you have a timing light, use it to see approximately where cylinder one is firing. It should be close to TDC on the crankshaft timing mark.

If there is no excessive load sounds when cranking, do the opposite. Turn the distributor counter clockwise to advance the timing.

One last thing, is there any backfiring happening?

Let me know,
Joe

Welcome back:

Since it sounds like it wants to start, it has spark and fuel, and the timing is correct, I have a feeling we may have a compression problem. I hate to say it, but you need to check engine compression. If it is too low, it will not start.

Here are two links which discuss symptoms of low compression and how to check compression:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-low-compression

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

I attached a picture. It has the compression specifications.

Do this and let me know the results. By the way, cars can be very frustrating. Just hang in there. If nothing else, I will help you find the problem.

One other thought, see if it will start if you use starting fluid.

Take care,

Joe