2.3 cobra

[rabbyg]

i have a 87 2.3 cobra, after engine rebuild i cant get it to start and now i have noticed i have fuel in the rocker area, quite alot of it.

can someone shed somelight on this for me? as i completly stomped

 

[sea wolf]

Re: 2.3 cobra

Sounds like the engine oil is contaminated with gas. Change the oil & filter. Your probably lucky that it won't start. And if that's the case, you need a carb rebuild as it sounds like it's flooding. Is it? And pull the plugs. They're probably fouled with gas.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: 2.3 cobra

Who did the rebuild? Why? Same head? Was the head reworked too? Maybe a fuel into head problem via some head or gasket problem. Same carb or fuel injection? Same intake manifold? Does the engine have a mechanical fuel pump? If so maybe you are getting fuel in the oil via a pump problem. Is there any gas in the crankcase oil?
So many possibilities, give us as much info as possible, the real experts will answer later. I am just a wannabe, I haven't done any rebuilt engine installations. Maybe someone else will have had your same issue.

 

[rabbyg]

Re: 2.3 cobra

ok ill try to answer these thebest i can, i rebuilt the engine ie,the boat has been sitting for 4 yrs then i bought it, the pistons were seized so i stripped it all down and unseized them cleaned it all up put it back together, seems to be turning over ok but i am a novice at this so was trying to save a few pennies, now i may have to let the experts do their job or is it possible for me to do it.
plugs are soaking with fuel, carb backfires and almost goes up in smoke, very and i mean very strong smell of fuel when turning over.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: 2.3 cobra

So really it is now time to diagnose from that point. Think through your steps and do the reading so you avoid extra steps and false diagnosis.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: 2.3 cobra

ok ill try to answer these thebest i can, i rebuilt the engine ie,the boat has been sitting for 4 yrs then i bought it, the pistons were seized so i stripped it all down and unseized them cleaned it all up put it back together, seems to be turning over ok but i am a novice at this so was trying to save a few pennies, now i may have to let the experts do their job or is it possible for me to do it.
plugs are soaking with fuel, carb backfires and almost goes up in smoke, very and i mean very strong smell of fuel when turning over.

Why do u keep trying to start it if it's backfiring & with a strong fuel smell? Have u checked the timing? Do u have the plug wires on correctly? If one is wrong, that can cause a backfire. Better have a fire ext. nearby with u trying to start it when it's dumping fuel & backfiring. And when the fuel that u keep dumping into the oil pan denotates, you'll really have some fun.