Need help on DD: 01 Grand Am starting issues

[david-b]

I picked up a 01 Grand Am off a buddy for $250 and it wasn't running. Had low compression so I torn the head off and replaced the leaking head gasket. When it was altogether, it still didn't start. I got a new coil and ICM as there was no spark. I tried starting it and this is what happens.

Battery is dead. Going to get it charged one day this week.

-I hooked up my battery jumper and the starter turns and starts cranking the motor. Doesn't fire. It drains the charger really quickly and I don't think it's getting enough power to fire.

-I tried jumping off another car. When it's connected to the other car, then starter just sits there and clicks; click-click-click-click-click really fast. No cranking. Switch back to jumper, and it'll turn the crank. Back to car jump, and it just clicks.

Has anyone else had any problems like this on their cars? Need help very soon as it's been only in the 40s and STILL need this car up and running. Thanks

 

[DSM_PWR]

Did you do a compression test after you replaced the headgasket? If its still low, time for a rebuild

Also did you get the head resurfaced? or just throw on another headgasket? possibly coulda blew the headgasket to begin with and warped the head...

 

[david-b]

Did you do a compression test after you replaced the headgasket? If its still low, time for a rebuild

Also did you get the head resurfaced? or just throw on another headgasket? possibly coulda blew the headgasket to begin with and warped the head...

I did not do a compression test since a) I broke it on the Talon when I blew that motor and b) the motor really has to be warm for proper readings.

I tore the head off and checked for flatness. It was as perfect from what I could see. Cleaned off old gasket and checked block also. I rebuilt using all new gaskets, torquing everything to specs, and did it right. Replace all timing chain, tensioner... everything in that assembly also while i was in there. Timing is dead on (took 3 tries)

 

[david-b]

Ok I charged my battery since it was dead. Battery is in good condition. It's cranking the motor perfectly fine. Here's what I found out this evening.

-When turning the power to on, you can hear the fuel pump supply pressure in the engine bay.

-When cranking, it's rotating the motor, and then makes a little click sound when it gets to a certain point on the rotation. When I took out the ICM fuse, it didn't make that noise then. This is my 2nd ICM, coil, and that whole top spark connection.

-When I disconnect the fuel pump fuse and start, it does the same thing as above, rotate with the little click.

-You can smell the fuel through the throttle body after cranking.

-Security light is constant on when power is on. No flashing though. CEL stays on while cranking.

-Lastly timing is right on. We redid it numerous times during the build to get perfect. 100% confident in that.

Any ideas? Thank you!