1.8L DOHC no-start, please help!

[mightymoose_22]

if you already verified spark then switching plugs should make no difference.

How did you set the engine at TDC when checking the timing? Where was the distributor positioned when you did this?

The only other thing I can think of is if you have something wrong with ignition wiring. You said you verified spark and fuel.... all that really makes sense is timing, Especially since you got it to run when switching the firing order. I would stick to investigating the timing problem...

[mazdalvr]

same result...

[SgtRauksauff]

couple of things in my brain now.

-- there is no crank sensor on the 1.8L engine, unless you've got a 96EGT, with the OBDII system, and even then I'm not sure. Since it's got an actual distributor, and is not a DIS system, the distributor is signalling the ECU when to trip the igniter.

-- you had the crank pulley off, you had no issues with the keyway in the snout, correct?

--did you remove the distributor from the head at all? the drive for it is a small oblong end of the shaft, that sits in the end of the exhaust camshaft. I'd just undo the 2 12mm bolts, pull it out, and make sure it's good. In fact, it's easy enough to pull the valve cover, I'd check just to make sure that your cam isn't snapped somewhere down the line, so only barely turning the distributor when there's enough friction. Not a very likely occurrence, but super easy to check. just a few 10mm acorn-head bolts....

--doublecheck the electrical connections on the distributor, and on the igniter, and the coil wire. I've seen them come loose a couple times. I even forgot to plug in the VAF (Vane Air Flow) sensor once. started up, then died immediately.

--did you pull off the cap, and check the rotor? it's VERY possible that the cap and rotor might need to be replaced

--sarge

[mazdalvr]

i had the valvecover off when setting the timing. I didn't see anything out of the ordinary but I didn't really look closely at the cams. I will check the end of the distributer.

When I was setting the timing the distributer was in the factory position.. left bolt down, right bolt up. Should I have taken the dizzy right off when setting the timing on the cams?

[mazdalvr]

oh and also.. it is doing the exact same thing like I didn't even touch the timing.. change firing order it starts.. like wtf!?.. did it skip a tooth again already?. The keyway on the crank was fine..

[2001jettavr6]

ever think the worst possible thing? if the radiator hose busted and it over heated, could your head have warped and would that cause it to run rough? just a thought im not sure. happened to my friends honda.

[Torch]

Still sounds like your timing is off, from the way it acts I think the spark plugs are firing right as the last of the gas is leaving the cylinders on its way out the exhaust valves.

Pull the valve cover off and rotate the engine until the valves for the #1 cylinder are both closed, if you are rotating it in the correct direction you should see the INTAKE valve open and close, then see the EXHAUST valve open (and close).

Right at the point where the intake valve is closed should be your Top Dead Center, check your timing marks on the timing gears and make sure the distributor rotor is pointing to the #1 spark plus wire. If everything is way off you have it 180 out (backwards), keep rotating until everything lines up.

Once you have everything back together try to start it, you will have to adjust the distributor back and forth a little bit until it catches and starts then check it with a timing light to get it where it should be.