Engine Problem

[Paxton]

Alright, I'm hoping that there will be a simple answer to my problems but with my luck it will be something else.

I just finished the replacement of a blown head gasket on my 95 V-6 runner and everyting seemed to be going just fine until I tried to fire it up. The engine turns over with no problems but just won't fire. I checked the timing and followed the instructions to the T on making sure that this was done properly. Is there something else that I might be missing that could be my problem. I'm getting a spark and fuel pressure is good.

 

[KMX3060]

I checked the timing and followed the instructions to the T on making sure that this was done properly.

Are you referring to the ignition timing or the timing belt-cam(s)-crank timing?

Do you have compression on both banks of cylinders?

??????

 

[Paxton]

Alright, I figured out that my ignition timing was off a little which made a big enough of a difference. THe runner started right away, but then I found out the sad truth...... Apparently the rings have gone bad and there is a ton of blow by and a cloud of gray smoke out of the exhaust. I just wish I new that I had that problem when I fixed the head gasket.

Is it worth my time to retear into the motor and fix the rings or is it better to just find a new motor and swap it out. I don't think I would get very much for the truck if I sold it as is. I wish there was a better way to fix it.........

any ideas????

 

[KMX3060]

Did you drive this truck before you worked on the engine?

Did it smoke before?

If not, then you should check to see if you are leaking coolant into the cylinders. When it is cold and running take off the radiator cap and look for bubbles or even a loss of coolant. Do not do this if it has been running or is warm, let it cool first.

It is possible that you did not get the head gasket to seal properly or maybe you just need to re torque the head. You did use a torque wrench and follow the proper sequence didn't you?

 

[Paxton]

I was driving the truck before I worked on it and yes it was smoking badly. I also did use a torq wrench and I followed the proper sequence inwhich to tighten the bolts......

I will check to see if I have any air bibbles coming up in the radiator that is an interesting way to check. Thanks....

So are you telling me the chances of actually having bad rings is pretty far fetched?

 

[KMX3060]

So are you telling me the chances of actually having bad rings is pretty far fetched?

No, not far fetched. Since it was smoking before you worked on it.

Too few oil changes, lack of oil, and dusty conditions all contribute to bad rings.

Are you sure it is the rings? Did you do a compression check and see if there is a loss of compression in one or more cylinders?

Bad valve stem seals cause smoke and are an easy fix.

If you can make or buy a tool to put air pressure into the cylinders one at a time (low pressure) at TDC compression stroke you can listen for air escaping. If intake valves leak it will be through the intake, exhaust valves leak through the tailpipe, rings pass air to the crankcase. etc.

Another thought. Got water in the oil? Oil in the water? Loss of coolant? Check the spark plugs. They can tell a lot about what you are burning besides gasoline.