Car won't start (not your typical problem...)

**Sven the Sexman** · 08-17-2012

Ok, as many of you may know, I've been building my GP. Here's what's done...L36 block, Gen V, IC'ed, XP cam, stock lifters, HS 1.6 roller rockers, JP single roller timing chain, 42.5 lb injectors, PRJ fuel rails, Fuelab FPR, SLP headers, GMPP exhaust, Getrag 284 5-speed. Finally got up the gusto to fire it up last night. Lifter noise...normal if they pump down. Oil Pressure stayed around 50 lbs. A/F in the 12's at idle due to no tune.

This morning...flashed my tune into it. Car started, lifter noise stopped, and the engine stalled. Will not restart. Low compression, engine cranks over quickly. Removed spark plugs. Dry. Removed rocker cover to check to see if lifters pumped up and stuck valves open. Nope. Removed timing cover. Engine is perfectly in time.

What am I missing? I can't see why this thing would lose compression after the lifter pumped up unless they stuck a valve open. If there were cylinder washdown from fuel, my plugs would be wet. I'm tired and I need some help.

**Sven the Sexman** · 08-17-2012

Is it possible that my lifters are pumping up with the engine running causing the valves to stick open, then pumping down with the car off? ARGH!!!

**BillBoost37** · 08-17-2012

What compression did you see and did you do the test quick and dirty or the correct way?

If your plugs are dry..I'm wondering..if you prime a bunch of times and it doesn't start..they should be wet.

**Sven the Sexman** · 08-17-2012

We have an old school compression tester. Has there ever been an issue with push rod length with the HS rockers?

**BillBoost37** · 08-17-2012

No, shouldn't be

**BillBoost37** · 08-17-2012

I'm thinking more along the lines of fueling not compression. You know how we all cheap on compression checks and that often makes them unreliable. I know you know what I'm saying ...cause your the guy to say.. this is the right way.

**Sven the Sexman** · 08-17-2012

Exactly. So, I'm at a loss. I can't understand why it won't start back up...and I don't have reuseable rocker bolts to try backing them off...nor do I want to pull the SC and IC to get the damn front mount off. >

**Sven the Sexman** · 08-17-2012

Regardless, I need to run downtown to get a new oil filter housing gasket because mine tore when I removed the adapter. MOTHER****INGJESUS****INGCHRIST!!!!!!!!!!!

**BillBoost37** · 08-17-2012

Pull the valve cover cap. (in case you got pressure/vacuum)
Unplug the maf and work your throttle to try and get it running
Check that you didn't blow the fuel pump/fuel injector fuses

I'm in teh chat in between responses

**BillBoost37** · 08-17-2012

You are running to the parts store, so I'm going to reiterate some of the chat stuff here to keep people up to speed.

You said you think the lifters are over pumping or somehow the valves are being held open. Currently you have the timing cover off to verify timing. You definately have a key on that camshaft, right? You definately engaged the HB on the key before tightening?

The rockers are stamped 1.6 on them. That's good. Hopefully they aren't the adjustable ones, either way..shouldn't have enough to cause this issue.

To try and verify if the valves are open and bleeding off compression, I would do this. You have the timing cover off. Turn to TDC (likely you already are there. Put your air hose to the cylinder and add air like you are holding up the valves. If you hear excessive leakage, then something is up with your valve timing etc. This to me is the true test of your theory on low compression.

You say you have spark and you have 50psi of fuel pressure with key on. Thing here is.. your plugs are coming out dry. Ensure your fuel injector fuse is good. I've had this fuse blow before. Not sure if you changed injectors etc during the build/rebuild. Definately something to check with the electrical situation you have now with that trans swapped and some circuits no longer being used/extra wires laying around. Easy test here, take a vacuum line and stuff it to the port under the snout on the lim. Hit it with some brake clean etc.. you understand and try to start it.. if you get something..then it's injectors/maf. Maf can also put PW down so low that it won't start.

Lastly.. check your ICM connector. If that puppy is loose.. it can cause no start.

**Sven the Sexman** · 08-17-2012

Narrowed it down to valvetrain. Fuel injectors are pulsing, adequate fuel pressure is present, spark is present, but compression is low. Eventually, I'll get a chance to look into the problem further, but for now, I'm out of time and it'll have to sit until I can come up with more time to work on it. I'm depressed to say the least as it's been a long road with seemingly no end in sight.

**Swiggles** · 08-17-2012

Well that sux, sorry for the bad news

. You can have my black heads if you need them, and the l67 block is still here if you want it.

Didnt you have a similar problem when you did the top swap and tried using the other PCM?

Is you fp rewire plugged in right? Remember that time we forgot to hook the power back up to mine and it started once then died iirc.

**Sven the Sexman** · 08-17-2012

Unfortunately this is a compression issue. The only this I can figure is the lifters are fully extended and holding the valves open. I'm going to try starting it tomorrow and see how it acts. I've had this happen before on a 3100 when I did LIM gaskets, but didn't think it would happen with the 3800.

**Swiggles** · 08-17-2012

You put the plastic guides back in right? I know it's a silly question but you mentioned something about them last time we worked on my motor.

**Sven the Sexman** · 08-17-2012

Yeah, they're back in. I'll figure it out...just don't know when.

**BillBoost37** · 08-20-2012

That's odd. You said you got replacement lifters, didn't you? Wondering about them. I've yet to hear about a lifter pumping up too far and not preloading to the necessary amount.

**Sven the Sexman** · 08-20-2012

No, I thought I had replacements...just like I thought I had a proper O2 extension harness kicking around. Guess who didn't?

Anyway, I'm basically running 219000 mile lifters on a higher lift cam. They were NOT happy when they pumped up. In fact, every now and then they were a little noisy just top swapped. So, new lifters are in order...stock rockers as well if needed.

**BillBoost37** · 08-20-2012

whispering voice (didn't you have a set you were bringing to me the same day you were going to PA?" I know..because I installed NA on Friday..you didn't pack them. See other post. I'm making a suggestion.