96 talon tsi with both cam angle sensors?! No start

[rdjarvis]

Good morning, I just picked up a 96 talon tsi that was in pieces. The timing covers were all missing and, timing belt, water pump, pulleys..etc all off. I got new part and put it all back together. It wasn't disassembled in TDC and the timing marks on the cam gears never match up when the crank is rotated. It also has a balance shaft removal kit on it, but everything else is completely stock. I picked up the timing kit with a new auto tensioner, got everything back together. It has the cam angle sensor under the cam gears like a 96 should but it also has a newer cam sensor on the other side with nothing going to it and obviously nothing for the newer sensor coming from the harness. The engine rotates well, gets a strong spark and fuel to the plugs but it will not fire. I know it's something with the timing, but none of the manuals I have really explain how to check it.

 

[rdjarvis]

I forgot to add there aren't any timing plates either, they are missing ( the marks with 5, 10 deg ) is there a way to set the timing on these or does the ecu do that. Can I take it all back apart and rotate the cams so the timing marks align with the crank in TDC?

 

[pauleyman]

You are confusing mechanical timing and ignition timing. Mechanical timing must be spot on and yours sounds like you're not even sure what it is.

 

[rdjarvis]

Thanks for your reply, how can I set mechanical timing so its spot on? How do I get the Cam gears to align and how do I find TDC? I really appreciate any input as Im trying to learn this stuff.

 

[SrKegler]

Since the car was in parts when you got it, I would bet the original timing belt broke.

Since you have been cranking the engine over without the mechanical timing being in spec, probably got bent valves anyhow.

You have spark and fuel. Compression is the only thing missing to have it run.

 

[rdjarvis]

Thanks, Ill see what can do.

 

[rdjarvis]

I set the mechanical timing, figured out TDC and aligned the timing marks on the cam gears. Got it all back together, timing belt, water pump..etc in accordance with Haynes. She fired right up and runs like a champ. No leaks, no problems. There was some slight ticking, but that was due to low oil. I gave her a quick oil change and now she's smooth as anything. I appreciate all the help on here, even the negative/sarcastic comments. I never said I was a mechanic, I said I was trying to learn this stuff. Thanks again.

 

[pauleyman]

Make sure you know the correct procedure is for setting tension. Even if what you did is correct it wont stay that way if tension isnt right. Quite frankly I dont see how you didnt bend valves but from your description it sounds like it went well.

 

[rdjarvis]

Thanks, guess I got lucky. Learning has occurred today. The dsm gods smiled upon me this time. I'm sure that's the only freebie I'll get from them, haha.