1996 88 spl will not start

[3Cook]

Having trouble with with my motor overheating. Pulled the heads and found head gasket blown. Replaced head gasket and torqued to spec., Changed water pump also, the old water pump looked good but wanted to start fresh. <br />Feeling good that I solved the overheating problems, but now I can't start the motor. Motor turns over, checked spark and sparks appear to be strong, changed out the fuel (thinking it was bad). When the motor turns over it appears it's trying to fire. In fact it will fire enough to disengage the starter. At one point it fired for 1 second, smoked and died. Can't get it to fire any more. Suggestions??

 

[Goodoleboy]

Re: 1996 88 spl will not start

Welcome to forum!<br /><br />Try running a compression check. Post back your numbers.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[3Cook]

Re: 1996 88 spl will not start

I attempted to run a compression check (I never done before). The engine was cold and I was not sure if that matters. Basically the pressure did not hold for any of the cylinders, the needle bounced up to 40 psi for each of the cylinders.

 

[Goodoleboy]

Re: 1996 88 spl will not start

Check to see if your comp. gage is screwed tight to hose connection. And that it is screwed into spark plug hole good and tight with the correct fitting. Should be the same fitting as you spark plug thread.<br /><br />Then spin motor with all plugs removed. With throttle full open.<br /><br />Spin motor to a count of 10 on each cyl. write down numbers for each cyl. then release pressure from gage it will go back to zero.<br /><br />If it still dosent hold pressure reading with all connections good and tight, Then your gage is faulty.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[3Cook]

Re: 1996 88 spl will not start

Many thanks to Goodoleboy!!! I ran a compression test as you suggested...to a count of 10 and the gage held pressure. Cylinders 1,3 were each 65 psi, cylinders 2, 4 were 30 and 0. Bad news... until we noticed one of the head screws were loose. In fact none of the head screws were tight. We torqued to spec. and the motor started up. Cylinders 1,3 were each 110 psi, cylinders 2,4 were 95 and 105. Ran the motor tonight, no overheating problems. Ready to take the kids fishing in the morning. <br /><br />Many thanks to Goodoleboy!!!