No start issue! Possible timing issue?
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
From: Oakland, California
No start issue! Possible timing issue? Hi guys, I'm coming for a bit of enlightenment on this no start issue that I am having. The car is a 1972 Nova that was originally an L6 engine with a three-on-the-tree. I dropped in an LQ4 engine, 243 heads milled .030", cam, LS2 timing set, FAST intake headers, and stock bottom end. I am running a 411 ecm with a mail order tune that was done by Frost. I have checked for spark, fuel, and connected HP Tuners to confirm RPM during start to make sure that the sensors are reading.
The car sounds like it wants to start, but doesn't. I have checked EVERYTHING! I am beginning to suspect that it is a timing chain install issue. I lined up the dots on the crank (12) and cam gear(6), but don't remember if it was at compression stroke or exhaust.
Here is a link to a video that I uploaded to youtube of an attempted start (I hope it works):
The car sounds like it wants to start, but doesn't. I have checked EVERYTHING! I am beginning to suspect that it is a timing chain install issue. I lined up the dots on the crank (12) and cam gear(6), but don't remember if it was at compression stroke or exhaust.
Here is a link to a video that I uploaded to youtube of an attempted start (I hope it works):
That seems like a air/fuel issue. I would contact Frost and have them double check VE, MAF, cranking airflow and idle flow. Doing mail order tunes on setups like your its impossible to get everyone correct the first time no matter who does the tune.
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
From: Oakland, California
I tried to disconnect the MAF, and this time it sounded like it wanted to start, but didn't. I cranked it one more time, and it sounded like it was going to start, but a bit of smoke came out of the intake.
I'm going to get in contact with Frost to see what he suggests. I'm heading off to school in January, and I would really like to get this car up and running before I head out. I've been chasing after this issue for over a month now.
Thanks for the input guys.
Thanks for the input guys.
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
From: Oakland, California
Two things to check, if this motor has been sitting for a long time it may have some dirty and stuck injectors, see if it will start & run with starting fluid for a short period. Sounds like open exhaust, you want to make sure your O2 sensors are connected as well.
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TECH Fanatic
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1,467
Likes: 265
From: Bossier City, Louisiana
Great advice on using a little starting fluid. Just don't use too much of it because it can wash away cylinder oil film. And yea, those injectors get gummy and stuck from old ethanol fuel.
Rick
Rick
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Unhook your throttle position sensor if this helps. My first swap I did my tps was wired backwards. So 100% throttle. Thatll keep the injectors from firing. It would run for a quick second or 2 if you sprayed starting fluid in the intake though.
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
From: Oakland, California
Well guys, I’m back for an update. It’s alive! I finally got it to turn on. After cleaning the MAF, switching ignition relay, and a few other things, the car finally started. Now, I am on to looking for where to put the computer inside of the car
Thanks guys for all of the helpful information, and a big thanks to Frost, as he too was emailing me and taking a look at the HP Tuners data that I emailed him.
hopefully this video works:
Thanks guys for all of the helpful information, and a big thanks to Frost, as he too was emailing me and taking a look at the HP Tuners data that I emailed him.
hopefully this video works:
