Will not start after valve cover gasket replacement

1995 PLYMOUTH NEON
120,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 2WD
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CCULP88
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Had oil leak from the cam sensor and valve cover gasket. Week 1 replaced sensor, everything was fine except for the gasket leak. Week 2, change valve cover gasket, put it back together and it won't start. It's getting fuel, when it turns over, it kind of sputters I guess is the best way to describe it. It definitely doesn't sound right. I'm no mechanic by any means, but it almost sounds like it's not in sync if that makes sense.
Nov 14, 2020 at 4:45 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

Are you sure that the spark plug wires were reinstalled in the correct order? That will certainly cause it to sound out of sync. Also, can you record it cranking so I can hear what you are referring to?

See the attached pic and confirm the spark plug wires are going from the correct point of the coil to the correct cylinder.

Let me know. Also, if you record it cranking, I can tell if the plug wires are the likely cause.

Take care,
Joe
Nov 14, 2020 at 6:20 PM
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