Sorry for the noob question. I'm getting ready to set this car on fire. I've rebuilt Jeeps, a Blazer, couple of Toyota 4x4s so I can turn a wrench but I don't know crap about Hondas.

Here's the deal:

My wife owns a 95 Civic DX. It's a beater but until recently was mechanically sound. Then it overheated. Looks like the head gasket needs to be replaced. Long story short I was going to replace the gasket, bought the whole kit, and went to work on it with a friend. Got it about 1/4 of the way apart and something came up,so we bolted her back up. I went to start it to move it and it cranked over and I heard a pop. Opened the hood and the ground to the valve cover hadn't been reconnected. Now she won't start at all. Turns over just fine. I can hear the fuel pump prime. Main relay clicks. Lights come on and go off like normal. At least 2/3 a tank of gas in her. Spark is good. We didn't remove the timing belt so unless it slipped a tooth the timing is good. I've lurked the forums here and a couple of other places and gone through all of the common problem troubleshooting I could find. Nothing so far.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I'd like to get her running but she's not worth the $1500 I'm being quoted to have someone go over her and get her to start again.

 

Civic 93 will not start. Cranks up, but will not start? - Honda Civic Forum

Checking the timing would be a good move. Also test the distributor.
crank position sensor in 95 civic si - Honda-Tech