wont start after installing new head gasket

after cleaning up, replacing and reassembling a blown head gasket in a 96 2.0L the car will attempt to start but wont run... you can smell the fuel, we pulled the plugs and checked for spark, theres plenty of spark.
We are not sure though if the MAF is working or not... so we pulled the intake cover and ran the throttle by hand while leaving the MAF wired up still but sitting off to the side... a few times i was able to see a small backfire come out through the intake but the engine would never actually run... any ideas would be very helpful since this is his only means of transportation.


Talcaf

is there any wiring harnesses you disconnected during the teardown? Is the cam properly timed?

cam timing is spot on ...as far as harness connections I went over everything twice and didnt see any loose connections. I'm wondering if the MAF is screwy since when we tore apart the airbox it was full of coolant /gasoline... somehow it had all come back up the air intake setup.


Nismo720

coolant may be on the maf sensor.

Try cleaning the MAF sensor...do not use carburetor cleaner.

Aight still going at this issue... we have since torn the timing down again and retimed it just in case... but it was spot on the first go around... we also replaced the camshaft position sensor... without access to a OBD scanner we dont know if its putting out any codes or not. obviously the car is not driveable and the owner doesnt have the money to tow it anywhere to get it fixed. Any other suggestions on where to look would be greatly appreciated. At this point we are stumped.

Nismo720

im sure this is a given, but new head bolts are being used right?

yes new head bolts and all gaskets new belts as well. one thing that seems to be of concern is that i have not noticed the throttlebody valve open at all when attempting to start the car.


still stumped with the car sitting on stands in the driveway...<grrrrr>


nismo720

perhaps try spraying some starter fluid in the intake while your cranking the car and see if it starts. are you sure your getting fuel?