The thing has 177,000 on it I think I will just get my money back from the dude and look for something in a little better shape for her.

 

OK I get the retard of the year award. When I was checking for TDC I was checking #4 not #1. Guess I should stick with the Chevy's. I stuck a 1/4" extension down the #1 cyl. and turned the crank to TDC. The white mark was not visible so I turned it until I lined it up with the pointer. Still wouldn't start. Tore the belt back off....found TDC again,,,,spun the cam untill all valves were closed and lined it UP. Fired right up. Purred like a Honda.

 

Now that I know what the problem is I will put a new belt on it, tune it up and run a couple of oil changes thru it. When I was turning it over the stuck valve freed up....Go figure. Again thank you guys for all your help. Should I also replace the tensioner also?

 

Good job figuring out the timing problem. You might want to compression test the cylinders to make sure there was no piston/valve damage.

In addition to the timing belt, replace the belt tensioner, water pump, drive belts, and valve cover gasket. How do the seals for the spark plugs and valve cover bolts look?

 

That is what I will do. The seals look a little knarly. What is involved with replacing them?

 

Not sure for an 88 Civic, but for 96-00 Civics, you need to carefully pry spark plug seals out of the valve cover.

 

I loved seeing the mouse motor in your Malibu! Us bowtie guys have to stick together, or the blue oval will take over!