Hey guys, Help. picked up an 04 civic SOHC with a bad timing belt. No problem: not my first rodeo (well, first rodeo with a civic) I tore down the front of the motor and followed a DIY I found trolling the web. TDC is reset, cam gear is reset, tensioner pulley, water pump, timing belt and CPS are replaced. Put everything back together and it cranks but wont start. I pulled (random) #2 plug and I have spark. you can smell fuel so I believe that is not the issue. HELP! Thanks in advance for feedback/ideas.

 

Forgot to include: havent checked compression but even if it did bend a valve (which there is no metalic noise at all when it turns over) wouldnt it want to try and start with the other cylinders and at least sputter?

 

If the timing belt skipped, all the valves could be trashed. Definitely do a compression test.

 

Thanks, I'll check in the morning!

 

Hey guys, bumping this thread as my civic is still not being cvicilized! still wont start. verified tdc and cam gear are correct. (definately set to intake stroke). Did a compression test: I got ZERO pounds on all four cylinders. Didnt think that was possible so went and bought a NEW compression tester: all four cylinders still show ZERO compression! WTF?! Is that even possible with "bent" valves? Or do I just "suck" that bad at measuring "blow"? Do I need to do a "wet" compression test to get a reading on this motor? HELPPPPPP! please

 

You could try your tester on a working car to confirm your technique.

Check that all the rocker arms on a cylinder go slack when that cylinder is at TDC. If that's the case go ahead and remove the head, there's some major internal problem.

 

You didn't believe MK378 four days ago? These are interference motors, so if the timing belt broke, you're looking at a complete valve job.

If it's showing zero compression, everything is probably getting past the valves that are bent and not sealing all the way. It's not starting because it's just making little explosions in the combustion chamber, and your starter's having fun turning the crankshaft and moving the pistons. But since the (probably) bent valves aren't sealing, there's no pressure being made by igniting the fuel.

I'd pull the head and check out the valve (and piston) situation before doing anything else. Also remember these are aluminum engines, so have a reliable torque wrench handy.