engine trouble

[911buff]

I have just completed a top-end rebuild of my 74 2.0. Now it won't start! I have exhausted all my knowledge, experience and troubleshooting skills and do not have a clue! It feels like it is on the verge of starting but just will not catch. I would like to think it is something simple that I forgot but I have double, triple, heck 15 times checked everything. It has spark at the spark plugs, gas spurting from the injectors...but it doesn't want to start. I have gone thru all the usual stuff; checking fuses, grounding strap at the back of the engine, ensuring #1 is #1 and not #3, etc. It all is correct. I even thought it might be bad gas or water in the gas but I fixed that and still the same. I really have no idea where to go from here. If anyone has some advice, I am all ears! This has consumed roughly three afternoon/evenings and I am loosing my mind. Thanks!!!

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Have you checked for spark at all four plugs? Checked for gas from all four injectors? (Note: don't open the throttle while checking for gas; that is an extra circuit inside the ECU. You're just checking the basic running condition.)

How about compression? Does the starter sound like it's cranking evenly?

Spark timing? Static time it to (about) TDC, that should be close enough for the car to start.

If those are all in spec, the amount of fuel is the next suspect. So check for disconnected wires, wires that are not plugged in securely, broken wires, fuel pressure, disconnected or broken vacuum hoses, check that the MPS holds a vacuum, etc.

I won't tell you how many times I have inadvertently unplugged the CHT sensor and spent hours chasing a no-start condition...

--DD

[jess p]

Did you reconnect the transmission ground strap. If you did a top end rebuild
only then you timing should be ok, ie you did not remove the distributor.
How are the fuses in the relay board? The first thing I would do is check all
ground connections. You have confirmed that you are getting spark and fuel.
Are your plug wires connected properly from the distributor to it's respective
cylinder. One more thing. Often these engines are difficult to start sometimes
if the cold start injection system dosen't work.

Here is something I always do when I am diagnosing an engine that I have
difficulty starting. especially, after I have checked everything over and over.
Spray a brief mist of starting fluid into the intake. Attempt to start. This
over rides the cold start system.

[jess p]

Sorry,you did mention ground strap.

[jess p]

One more thing. Loosen up the distributor, have an assistant attempt to start the car while
you rotate the distributor slightly in each direction.